Humber’s Comedy: Writing and Performance diploma program helps you develop your craft while gaining an understanding of the commercial side of the industry. Our faculty is comprised of seasoned, award-winning professionals who are active in the comedy industry. You’ll learn stand-up, improvisation, scriptwriting, sketch comedy and all other aspects of the craft. In addition, the program’s strong alumni network supports you through reunion shows, business opportunities and continued coaching. The program features many mainstage class shows, weekly Humber student shows at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club and Comedy Bar, and an organized showcase at Second City Toronto for scouts, directors and agents with students included on the basis of merit. Upon graduation, you will have the tools you need to embark on an exciting career in one of North America’s fastest growing industries: comedy.
Current students, please make sure to review your MyHumber Academic Progress report to confirm which courses you should register into for your Winter semester. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
Produce a variety of comedic materials including sketches, screenplays, sitcoms and variety shows.
Prepare and perform stand-up comedy routines.
Discover their comedic voices and create materials that stem from these voices.
Study both dramatic and comedic performance techniques, and apply those techniques to their own work.
Prepare written humorous materials for magazines and newspapers as well as for radio broadcasts.
Practice individual and ensemble comedic performances both in the classroom and in comedy centres.
Apply the technical requirements of all genres of comedic writing.
Respond to improvisation demands and create characters quickly on stage.
Evaluate the business of comedy and develop career strategies and contacts.
Learn from well-known North American comedic writers and performers and network with those individuals.
Develop team-building and communication skills and engage in exercises that encourage self-understanding, peer respect and professional behaviours.
Kids In the Hall's Kevin McDonald spent a week with our 2nd-year Comedy Students, helping them perfect their sketches and writing for the Monday Night Comedy Bar Show.
We are proud to partner with two of Toronto's premier comedy venues, Yuk Yuk's and Comedy Bar.
Students also get access to top level comedians from across Canada and the US in our PrimeTime speaker series, featuring guests such as Bruce McCulloch and Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall, Maria Bamford and Tom Green.
Comedy: Writing and Performance professors are well-respected writers, actors, standups, and producers. Program co-ordinator Andrew Clark is an award-winning journalist, screenwriter and author known for his regular Globe & Mail column “Road Sage.” Fellow full-time professors Robin Duke and Larry Horowitz are, respectively, Saturday Night Live and Yuk Yuk’s veterans. Part-time professors include Christel Bartelse, Shawn Campbell, Anne Fenn, Melody A. Johnson, Bruce McCulloch, and Mike Sacks.
Hopefully, this will be the least funny thing you read while studying at the Humber College Comedy Program. Why? Because we’re about helping funny people become funnier. And that’s a lot of fun.
Our students come from across the country and around the globe. For two years they are immersed in every aspect of the comedy business: stand up, improv, sketch comedy, script writing, acting, physical comedy, videos, you name it. Humber grads are working at every level of the comedy business as stand-up comics, writers on television shows, actors, and newspaper columnists. Our alumni include Debra Di Giovanni, Nikki Payne, Nathan Fielder, Jason Rouse, Jeff McEnery, Ryan Belleville, just to name a few. Our faculty are all working comedians and writers, among them SCTV, Second City, Yuk Yuk’s and SNL alumni.
It is an intense, demanding program that pushes students to their creative limits. Our students are serious about being funny. Laughing matters. For most, it is a life-changing experience. Once the comedy bug bites you you’re never the same.
Did I mention it was a lot of fun?
Andrew Clark
Director
Comedy Writing & Performance
Humour is serious business to growing numbers of researchers worldwide who are discovering that laughter is good for you. Comedy is an art and a business, one at which many Canadians excel. You’ll join their illustrious ranks with opportunities to work in stand-up comedy, sitcom/film performance, production, broadcasting, advertising and voiceovers, sketch comedy, and writing. Humber comedy graduates have found work on stage at Yuk Yuk’s, Second City and Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival; on major television networks such as Comedy Central, CBC and CTV; and in many major television commercials. Other grads have branched into advertising, public relations and related fields.
Creative Writing - Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Poetry
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Length: 2 semesters
Television Writing and Producing
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Length: 2 semesters
Watch the video to see how the Humber’s Comedy: Writing and Performance diploma program helps you hone your craft while gaining an understanding of the commercial side of the industry.
Music & Performing Arts Success Stories
Grad Feature: Cassandra DePetrillo
Wed, April 07, 2021
Cassandra DePetrillo has been working in the film and television industry since she graduated from the Film and Television Production program in 2011.
Grad Feature: Anne Logan
Wed, April 07, 2021
Anne Logan graduated from the Creative Book Publishing program in 2008 and has been involved in the Canadian book industry for the past 12 years.
No news at this time.
Program Events
Current
Humber
Mon, April 19, 2021 to Thu, June 03, 2021
Online
Current is a festival of arts, media and design showcasing the work of graduating students from the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts.
Featuring live and recorded performances, screenings, exhibits, networking events, and portfolio shows, Current celebrates the ingenuity and professionalism of an electric group of storytellers. Connect with them at humbercurrent.ca starting April 19, or visit the website now to reserve your free ticket to a live event!
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.
Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.
To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:
or
or
An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet program eligibility.
An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.
An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.
An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.
An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.
An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.
All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a WES or ICAS evaluation.
Applicants will perform a short theatrical monologue.
Applicants will perform two minutes of original standup comedy. There are no restrictions on topics or language.
Applicants can submit a comic writing sample. The writing sample may be a sketch (2-5 pages), scene (2-5 pages) or short story (400-1000 words).
Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.
Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).
Fees are subject to change.
Fees by Semester
Domestic Fees International FeesSemester 1 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $2,998.85 | $2,709.49 | $2,737.11 |
Semester 2 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $2,998.85 | $2,709.49 | $2,737.11 |
Semester 3 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $2,998.85 | $2,709.49 | $2,737.11 |
Semester 4 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 | $2,329.94 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $2,998.85 | $2,709.49 | $2,737.11 |
Semester 1 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $7,727.00 | $7,437.64 | $7,465.26 |
Semester 2 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $7,727.00 | $7,437.64 | $7,465.26 |
Semester 3 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $7,727.00 | $7,437.64 | $7,465.26 |
Semester 4 | Original 2020-2021 Fees | Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Fees | Summer 2021 Fees |
Tuition | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 | $7,058.09 |
Compulsory Ancillary Fee | $434.91 | $319.30 | $346.92 |
Compulsory Student Union Fee | $64.00 | $60.25 | $60.25 |
Optional Student Union Fee | $20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Program Ancillary Fee | $150.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Co-op/Placement | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Total | $7,727.00 | $7,437.64 | $7,465.26 |
*Plus Mandatory Health Insurance fee once per academic year: Fall start - $420 Winter start - $280 Summer start - $140
Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships.
Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.
Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.
Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.
Pathways are academic routes that students can take to move from one credential to another.
Humber and the University of Salford in Manchester, UK have entered into an agreement to facilitate transfer from Humber's Comedy: Writing and Performance Diploma to Salford's BA in Comedy Writing and Performance for considered entry to the third and final year of study upon satisfying the requisite entry criteria.
Application for admission:
Each student wishing to register at Salford shall arrange for their own visa to enter the UK.
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner postsecondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
For more information, contact:
DR. RICHARD TALBOT
Senior Lecturer in Performance, School of Arts & Media
Floor 6, New Adelphi Building, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4BR
T: +44(0) 0161 295 6367, m +44(0) 7899 872 215 r.talbot@salford.ac.uk
Graduates of any two-year diploma program at Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 70% or greater will be eligible to enter year three of the four-year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John.
Depending on the diploma program, students may be exempted from study in certain courses and therefore, requested to take alternate courses offered by the Faculty of Business.
Please note: Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
For more information please contact: admissions@unb.ca.
Students who complete a 2 year diploma at Humber will be granted 60 credit hours toward the completion of a bachelor degree program at Davenport University. You will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours (approximately two years of full-time attendance) to meet residency and program requirements and to complete your bachelor degree program. Students must complete a minimum total of 120 semester credit hours to earn a bachelor degree. The total credit hours will include the completed 2 year diploma classes plus any courses completed through Davenport University.
If you still have questions, reach out to the transfer admissions team at info@davenport.edu or 1.800.686.1600.
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution.
Humber and Seneca Colleges have entered into an agreement that increases student opportunities for degree completion at both institutions. Humber graduates may transfer into Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with entry into Semester 4, Year 2 of the program.
Admissions:
All applicants to Seneca degree programs are required to have successfully completed the related Humber program with a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (70%).
All applicants may apply through the Ontario College Application Service and must submit an official academic transcript for all course work completed at the postsecondary level. The application must be received no later than the stated deadline for the given term being applied for in order to qualify for admission.
For further information, please contact: academic.pathways@senecacollege.ca
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
Phone: 416-675-5000
Email: enquiry@humber.ca
Sign-up for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!
Andrew Clark, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 79031
andrew.clark@humber.ca
Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program. To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber's program pages or ontariocolleges.ca.
If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.
Additional information will be made available to students from their program before the beginning of the Winter term. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.
You can find a complete list of programs with downloads including program and course details at Current Student Resources
Students in programs marked as online/in-person will have a combination of those two types of delivery. Additional information will be made available to students from their program in the first week of June. Courses with in-person requirements will likely also have online components. The delivery mode of some courses is still being determined. Humber may need to change plans for in-person learning, subject to government and public health directives and/or additional health and safety considerations.