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.

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.

Visiting students apply here!

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.

Returning students apply here!