Comedy Writing and Performance: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the dynamic world of comedic expression through a rigorous academic lens that examines comedy as both a cultural force and a creative craft. This program equips students with the skills to develop, perform, and produce original comedic content across multiple formats and mediums.
- Comedic storytelling: Learn to structure narratives with timing, surprise, and emotional resonance to maximize humor and audience engagement.
- Comedy production: Gain hands-on experience in directing, staging, and managing the technical and logistical aspects of live and recorded comedy performances.
- Comedy writing: Develop the ability to craft sharp, original material for stand-up, television, film, digital media, and other platforms using genre-specific conventions and voice.
- History of comedy: Investigate the evolution of comedic forms from ancient theater to contemporary satire, analyzing how societal shifts influence comedic expression.
- Improvisation: Build real-time performance skills through collaborative, spontaneous exercises that enhance creativity, adaptability, and ensemble work.
- Sketch writing: Master the art of short-form comedy by creating tightly written, character-driven scenes designed for rapid impact and repeat performance.
Comedy Writing and Performance Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Comedy Writing and Performance Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Comedy Writing and Performance degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Writers and Authors and Actors. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 184,490 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Writers and Authors 27-3043 | $72,270 | $41,080 - $133,680 | 47,800 | $34.75 |
| Actors 27-2011 | N/A | N/A | 38,800 | $23.33 |
Comedy Writing and Performance Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,110 in Nevada to $129,330 in Hawaii—a 153% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New York, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 184,490 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Comedy Writing and Performance by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Comedy Writing and Performance programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Comedy Writing and Performance is found at Columbia College Chicago (CCC) (26 graduates), and DePaul University (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 35 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College Chicago (CCC) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | colum.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Comedy Writing and Performance programs
How much can I earn with a Comedy Writing and Performance degree?
Salaries for Comedy Writing and Performance graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Writers and Authors earn around $72,270. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $129,330 compared to $51,110 in Nevada. Approximately 184,490 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Comedy Writing and Performance programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Comedy Writing and Performance degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbia College Chicago (CCC) (26 graduates), DePaul University (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Comedy Writing and Performance degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Writers and Authors, and Actors. Related occupations employ approximately 184,490 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Arts Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Arts field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Intermedia and Multimedia
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions in either two or three dimensions, through simultaneous...
Painting
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical...
Sculpture
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by creating three-dimensional art works. Includes instruction in...
Printmaking
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by rendering art concepts onto surfaces and transferring...
Ceramic Arts
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by producing art works out of clay and...
Fiber and Textile Arts
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by constructing art works from woven or non-woven...