Eligibility:

Columbia College Chicago Comedy Studies will consider applications from students attending any four-year college or university who:

• Are currently enrolled-or have recently graduated- at the undergraduate level in a college or university.
• Have, or will have, reached a minimum of junior-level standing- or have successfully completed a minimum of 60 credit hours- by the time the program begins.
• Demonstrate training and/or accomplishment in performance, comic writing and improvisation.

Upcoming Dates and  Deadlines:  

Fall 2026 – a few spots are still open! Apply soon!

Spring 2027
Applications open September 2026

Early Bird application deadline 10/7/26

Early Bird notification by 10/15/26

Regular app deadline 10/28/26

Regular app notification 11/4/26

Term Dates: January 25 – May 13, 2027

Spring Break: March 22-28

Showcase Dates: May 11 & 12

Summer/Fall 2027
Applications open January 2027

Early Bird application deadline: 2/26/27

Early Bird notification by 3/5/27

Regular Deadline: 3/19/27

Regular notification: 4/2/27

Summer Term Dates: June 14 – July 24, 2027

Showcase Date: July 24

Fall Term Dates: September 7 – December 16, 2027

Showcase Dates: December 14-15

Application

All applicants will be categorized into one of two categories, which will determine which application process to use.

Visiting Student

Students who are enrolled in college at an institution outside of Columbia College, but who plan to attend Comedy studies for a semester abroad from their school.

Returning Columbia Student

Students who are currently enrolled in a degree seeking course at Columbia College Chicago.

To be considered for admission to Columbia College Chicago Comedy Studies, all applicants must submit the following based on which student category you fall under.

Unsure whether you have the right experience? There are multiple ways to fulfill these requirements. For questions or more information, please email comedystudies@secondcity.com

Visiting Students

1. Completed Comedy Studies online application

The following required materials can be uploaded to your online application (by clicking “Apply Now”.) You may save changes to your application and return to it at any point.

2. Official college transcript

Visiting Students are required to submit an official transcript from the college/university you are currently attending or recently graduated from.

• Ask your institution to send official transcripts to Columbia College Chicago Admissions at 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. All transcripts received by mail or in person must be in the original sealed envelope from the school.
• We also accept transcripts—when sent directly from the institution—via email to admissions@colum.edu.

3. One letter of recommendation

A letter of recommendation from an individual who is qualified to speak to your skill as a member of an ensemble, your individual work ethic, and how you may benefit from an intensive study-away experience in comedy studies. (i.e. a member of your college’s theater department faculty, or professor, or theatrical director or improvisation or writing instructor)

4. Theatrical resume and headshot and/or a short description of experience

Short description (500 words maximum) detailing your improvisation training, any sketch or improvisation performance experience and sketch writing experience.

5. Three short essays 

Essays (200 words minimum) in response to the following three questions:

• How do you see this program fitting in with your college major or future career plans?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a comic performer and/or writer?
• Aside from your family and friends, who or what makes you laugh? Feel free to reference specific comedians and shows.

6. Application Fee

Visiting Students are required to pay an application fee of $25.00 at the end of the online application.

*The above materials can be uploaded to our online application (by clicking “Apply Now”.) You may save changes to your application and return to it at any point.

Returning Columbia Students

1. Completed Comedy Studies online form

The following required materials can be uploaded to your online application (by clicking “Apply Now”.) You may save changes to your application and return to it at any point.

2. One faculty reference 

The email address and name of a Columbia Proffessor who is qualified to speak to your skill as a member of an ensemble, your individual work ethic, and how you may benefit from an intensive study-away experience in comedy studies.

3. Theatrical resume and headshot and/or a short description of experience

Short description (500 words maximum) detailing your improvisation training, any sketch or improvisation performance experience and sketch writing experience.

4. Three short essays

Essays (200 words minimum) in response to the following three questions:

• How do you see this program fitting in with your college major or future career plans?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a comic performer and/or writer?
• Aside from your family and friends, who or what makes you laugh? Feel free to reference specific comedians and shows.

Tuition

*Tuition for Comedy Studies is commensurate with the Undergraduate tuition costs at Columbia College Chicago. For current information and a cost estimate, please visit: https://www.colum.edu/columbia-central/where-to-start/cost-of-attendance/2026-27-undergradcontng

All classes in the Comedy Studies semester must be taken as a whole; you cannot choose to take some classes and not others.

Fall and Spring Comedy Studies semesters contain 16 credit hours

Summer Comedy Studies semesters contain 12 credit hours

The Comedy Studies program, as well as Columbia College Chicago, do not offer any forms of financial aid to visiting students. Please check with your home institution to see if any aid you are currently using can be applied to your semester with Comedy Studies.