Humber College Comedy Program
Canada's premier college program dedicated to comedy writing and performance
Overview
Humber College's Comedy Writing and Performance program is one of the few dedicated comedy programs in the world. Based in Toronto, it trains students in stand-up, sketch, improv, sitcom writing, and comedic acting.
The program combines performance training with comedy writing skills, producing graduates who can work as performers, writers, or both. Industry professionals frequently guest lecture and mentor students throughout the program.
How It Works
Humber's comedy program has strong connections to the Canadian comedy industry, including ties to Second City, CBC, and the Toronto comedy scene. Graduates have gone on to work in television, film, and live performance.
Tuition follows standard Ontario college rates for domestic students, making it an affordable path into professional comedy. International students pay higher fees but still find the program competitively priced.
Who Uses It
An ideal choice for actors and performers who want to specialize in comedy. The program's unique focus and industry connections provide a launchpad for careers in comedic performance and writing. The program culminates in a professional showcase that attracts agents, producers, and casting directors from across the Canadian entertainment industry. Graduates leave with a portfolio of written material and performance credits that demonstrate both their comedic voice and their range.
Pricing & Plans
Tuition for Humber College's Comedy Writing and Performance program follows standard Ontario college rates, typically ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 CAD per year for domestic students. International students pay higher fees, generally in the range of $15,000 to $17,000 CAD per year. OSAP funding is available for eligible Ontario residents, and the college offers various bursaries and scholarships. The program's affordable pricing is remarkable given its specialized focus and strong industry reputation. Compared to studying improv and sketch comedy through individual workshops at Second City or other comedy schools, the comprehensive two-year diploma offers much more training for a similar or lower total cost. Students should budget for additional expenses including textbooks, performance materials, and transportation to off-campus comedy venues.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Humber's comedy program is one of a very small number of accredited college programs worldwide dedicated entirely to comedy, giving it a unique position in the educational landscape. The program's direct connections to the Canadian comedy industry, including relationships with CBC, CTV, and major production companies, create genuine career pathways for graduates. The dual emphasis on both writing and performance produces versatile graduates who can create their own material, a critical skill in today's comedy landscape. Guest lecturers frequently include working comedians, showrunners, and producers who offer real-world perspective and networking opportunities. Toronto's comedy scene provides an exceptional training ground, with open mic nights, comedy clubs, and improv theatres within easy reach. The cohort model creates a tight-knit creative community that often leads to lasting professional collaborations after graduation.
What Could Be Better
The program's narrow focus on comedy means graduates may lack the broader dramatic training needed for serious roles in theatre, film, or television. The two-year diploma format is shorter than a degree program, which may limit its perceived credential value in some professional and academic contexts. Comedy is an extremely competitive industry with no guaranteed career path, and program completion does not ensure employment or success. The program's Toronto-centric connections may be less valuable for students who plan to pursue careers in other markets. Some students find that the academic components of the diploma requirements feel disconnected from the practical comedy training they enrolled for. The relatively small and specialized program means fewer resources and less institutional support compared to larger departments within the college.
Our Recommendation
Humber's Comedy Writing and Performance program is ideal for performers who have a clear passion for comedy and want to develop both their writing and performance skills in a structured environment. It is best suited for students who are self-motivated, comfortable with risk-taking, and ready to perform regularly in front of audiences. Actors who want a broad, dramatic training foundation should pursue a traditional theatre program instead and supplement with comedy workshops. If you are already an experienced stand-up or improv performer, consider whether a formal program will add enough value beyond what continued professional stage time would provide. We recommend the program for people who want to write and perform, as the dual skill set is its greatest differentiator. Those uncertain about comedy as a career should attend open mic nights and improv classes before committing to a full diploma program.
Pro Tips
Before applying, immerse yourself in Toronto's comedy scene by attending shows at Comedy Bar, Bad Dog Theatre, and Second City to understand the landscape you are entering. During the program, perform as much as possible outside of class, using open mic nights and student showcases to develop your stage presence and material. Write every day, even when it is not assigned, because comedy writing is a muscle that strengthens with consistent practice. Build relationships with your cohort, as comedy careers are deeply collaborative and the people you train with often become your writing partners and castmates. Create and maintain an online presence for your comedy work, including clips on YouTube and a social media following, as industry professionals increasingly discover talent online. Attend the program's industry showcase events prepared with polished material and professional headshots, as these events are genuine career opportunities, not just school exercises.