Comedy

At USC, comedy is more than a path to stardom; it’s a practical skill across disciplines.

Jon Rudnitsky talks about transitioning between acting and stand-up, and his time on Saturday Night Live.

The independent student group has built its reputation on mastering “the Harold,” an intricate form of long-form improv that transforms into an interconnected web of scenes, characters and games.

For Judith Shelton, stand-up comedy has the power to heal and humanize.

How the USC School of Dramatic Arts alumna is elevating unheard voices as an actress, writer and director.

It’s not the first time the Fourth Quarter All-Stars wil share the stage with performers from other schools.

The popular USC School of Dramatic Arts program helps students hone their communication and interpersonal skills, teaching collaboration while also nurturing creativity.

“Yes, we want to make the audience laugh,” says one member of the USC School of Dramatic Arts group. “But we also want to make them cry, and gasp, those kinds of reactions.”

The comedian and actor discussed a wide range of topics, from his days at USC to his big break on Saturday Night Live.

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.