Bachelor of Performing Arts in Comedy

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Comedy course at Collarts is structured over three years, with each year divided into three trimesters focusing on theory, performance, material creation, and industry production. In the first year, students develop a foundational understanding of comedy through units such as Theories of Humour and Intercultural History of Comedy, while building essential performance skills in Acting Foundations and Creating a Character. Material creation is emphasized with courses like Devising for Performance and Writing Comedy for Live Solo Performance. Industry production skills are introduced through Critical Thinking and The Self-Producing Comedian, preparing students to manage their own work and career early on. The second year deepens this knowledge by exploring Comedy Genres and Radical Comedies, alongside live performance training in Live Comedic Acting and Directing Comedy. Material creation becomes more collaborative, with Writing Comedy for Live Ensemble Performance and Writing Comedy for Audio, expanding students’ versatility. Industry production courses focus on Publicity and Promotions as well as Live Production, offering practical insights into managing and promoting comedic work. In the third year, students concentrate on comedy for screen with units like Screen & Comedy, Comedic Performance for Screen, and Writing Comedy for Screen. The year culminates in a Capstone Creative Project that integrates theory, performance, and writing skills into a comprehensive body of work. Industry production courses in Screen Production and Creative Arts Business equip students with the professional knowledge needed to navigate the entertainment industry successfully. Throughout the program, students develop a unique comedic voice while gaining the skills, experience, and business acumen essential for a sustainable career in comedy across various platforms including theatre, screen, audio, and live performance.