Can women be funny? From vaudeville to late night TV, women have been answering that question with an emphatic “Yes!”. They practiced their comic craft in nightclubs, on stage, radio, TV and, more recently, via social media and streaming services. No longer expected to be attractive singers and dancers, women’s comedy has evolved to reflect our changing society and women’s place within it. In turn, women’s humor has changed the industry. In this course we will study the careers of funny ladies and the men who helped them on their way.

Format: Each participant will lead a one-hour discussion of a female comic or group of comics chosen from the syllabus. We will laugh together as we watch video interviews or clips showcasing each woman’s humor.

Resources/Expenses: There is no textbook. Information can be found on the Internet and through the library. The coordinators can help locate and show video clips.