Comedy legend Will Ferrell shares wisdom and wit with USC drama students
The comedian and actor discussed a wide range of topics, from his days at USC to his big break on Saturday Night Live.
Making sense of censorship, freedom of speech and ‘cancel culture’ in stand-up comedy
Offensive routines, outraged audiences and changing social norms have long been a part of stand-up comedy in America, USC scholars say. They also suggest some up-and-coming comedians to watch.
Making sense of censorship, freedom of speech and ‘cancel culture’ in stand-up comedy
Offensive routines, outraged audiences and changing social norms have long been a part of stand-up comedy in America, say USC scholars, who also suggest up-and-coming comedians to watch.
Student improv troupe brings comedy to Bovard lawn every week
Commedus Interruptus, the university’s oldest comedy troupe, holds court next to Tommy Trojan at 1 p.m. on Fridays.
A look at evolution of stand-up comedy, from vaudevilles to sold-out arenas
Trojans get an in-depth look at the art and how it has become so popular, thanks to USC School of Dramatic Arts faculty member and comedian Wayne Federman.
Live from … their homes: USC sketch comedy group preps for biggest online show yet
For the first time, a sketch show will be featured in the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ spring lineup. And no, it won’t be full of jokes about Zoom.
Stand-up comedy lecturer reassures students that failure is part of the routine
As both a comedian and a teacher, Judith Shelton encourages her students at the USC School of Dramatic Arts to take risks and celebrate their imperfections.
Stand-up comedian bounces back from six bedbound years, thanks to USC team
Eddie Barojas was confined to a bed for years after developing a severe lymphedema. Today — thanks to a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, urologists and wound-care specialists — he’s back on his feet and ready to return to comedy.
USC Alumni Bring in the Laughs on Saturday Night Live
A hefty lineup of comedic Trojans — including Will Ferrell ’90 — have made their mark on the iconic show.
Trojan, now writing with an HBO mentor, sees a story in everyone
Sara Alize Cross has been spinning yarns since childhood, and it pays off with a fellowship under the guidance of an HBO comedy executive.
Summer Programs give high schoolers a taste of college life — and credits for comedy
From comedy performance to criminal justice, USC Summer Programs give teens the experience to help them decide on a major or even a career.
Margaret Cho shares stories with stand-up students
The comedian discusses her own experiences as a beginner in San Francisco.
When politics is the topic, laughter just might be the best medicine
USC researchers look the key role of humor — from stand-up routines to social media to cartoons — in the political process.
Funny, business: TV, film pros talk about working in comedy at USC festival
Women in Comedy panel — with producer Suzanne Todd and performers Nicole Byer, Maria Bamford and Cameron Esposito — is part of three-day USC Comedy Festival.
Zach Galifianakis gives stand-up lessons to aspiring comedians on ‘this desperate art form’
You may have to supply your own audience or perform in a cage to protect yourself against beer bottles, the battle-tested comic tells USC students.
So you wanna be a screenwriter, eh?
The unique aspect of a new book by USC Professor Jack Epps Jr.: It’s about writing and rewriting.
USC School of Dramatic Arts to offer farce, fiction, music and more on 2015-16 slate
The chosen plays tell diverse stories of hope and love, passion and humor, says interim dean.
Comedian takes a thoughtful (and musical) approach to his craft
Rob Paravonian got his standup start in a USC dining hall.
The physicist who found respect with Norman Lear
Alumna Virginia Carter began her career as an aerospace physicist before joining the feminist movement in the 1960s and taking an unlikely turn into the entertainment industry.
Take it from medical clowns: Humor can heal
Hospitals have found a way to allay a patient’s stress, and the healing is all about laughs.
Two dramas set the stage for 2014-15 theatrical season
From farce to timeless drama, the USC School of Dramatic Arts has something for everyone.
Dramatic Arts student garners raves in his professional debut
Senior juggles studies and stage work in an acclaimed East West Players’ production.
The legacy of funny man Jack Oakie
David Sonne recalls the comic actor, his wife and their charitable foundation.
For females in film, progress is Frozen
New USC Annenberg study finds women filling less than a third of all speaking roles across six years of film content.