Emerson ComEx Cracks Up with Standup, Improv, and Competition

Emerson College’s ComEx 2025 concluded on Saturday, April 5, with two standout events: the Comics of Color: Woodstock showcase and the 22nd Jess Ilias Clavelli Comedy Competition. Together, these events highlighted the best of Emerson’s comedic talent, featuring a mix of stand-up, musical performances, improv, and even juggling clowns.

The events followed Friday, April 4’s program of improv, with students creating a blockbuster genre film on the fly, and a stand-up set.

Comics of Color: Woodstock opened Saturday’s show with a fun and energetic mannequin challenge, followed by a diverse mix of sketches.

Sophie Canon ’26, the producer, director, and lead performer for Comics of Color: Woodstock, reflected on the success of the showcase. 

“It was a huge success. It was one of the best Comics of Color shows we’ve ever had,” said Canon. “Every act was a hit. The crowd was loud, they were laughing, we could play with them, and everyone came with energy and came to deliver.”

Canon’s performance blended humor, dance, and skills, including tap dancing and unicycling.

“My favorite part was the clowning and the Badoo Bodega [skit]at the end,” admitted Canon. “I really loved dressing up as Erykah Badu and singing. I’ve been waiting to do that forever. 10-year-old me would be so pleased.”

Canon also delivered a monologue on the history of African American women and their suffrage. She explained how comedy can be a powerful tool for discussing difficult subjects like racism. 

“Comedy breaks down barriers,” said Canon. “Racism is a hard discussion to approach, but when you laugh at a few jokes, you become more receptive to hearing an opinion you might have been ignoring.” 

In her monologue, Canon took the audience on a historical journey, connecting tap dancing to its roots in slavery and the West African djembe drum.

“Comedy can really do everything, it can get you laughing, and it can get you to learn something,” explained Canon. “This time I did something different and went for a history lesson about tap dancing. I wanted to shout out the Black legends who shaped this art form.” 

For Canon, Comics of Color has been a pivotal part of her Emerson experience. 

“One of my introductions to the school was Comics of Color,” said Canon. “If Comics of Color wasn’t here, I would have felt much more limited as someone who talks about racism in their comedy. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be many spaces where it would be acceptable.”

For performer Joshua Garrison ‘27, being a part of Comics of Color was a deeply meaningful experience. 

“It is honorable to be able to showcase the diverse and unique talents of different people of color and show how we are not a monolith and we have such a rich amount of ideas and styles,” said Garrison. “It’s about showcasing our vision and performing it to the best of our abilities.” 

The night before, lots of other Emersonians showcased their talent as part of ComEx. The night included standup performances by rising stars, and longform improv from two fully improvised groups without scripts.

A Riotous Competition

The competition kept the energy high and the laughs rolling with eight Emerson comedians who showcased their skills through stand-up, impressions, and musical performances, each competing for the coveted Jess Ilias Clavelli Comedy Award. 

Tam Silverman ’26 won the award with his performance as Pam the magician, a character that blends drag and stand-up comedy. Pam’s act revolves around their constant failures at magic tricks, culminating in a breakdown.

“I’ve taken a couple of comedy classes at Emerson, like Chaos, Clowns, and Carnality taught by [School of the Arts Associate Professor] Nathaniel Justiniano,” said Silverman. “That class was insanely helpful in jumpstarting my interest with clown and crowd work in general.”

However, most of Silverman’s experience comes from his involvement in the sketch comedy troupe Chocolate Cake City.

“I’ve done dozens of shows with that troupe from when I got in my first semester at Emerson,” said Silverman. “The troupe really shaped what I laugh at, as well as introduced me to so many talented friends who are gonna do amazing things. It was absolutely the best decision I made at Emerson to join.”

Reflecting on the significance of his win, Silverman shared how meaningful it was to join the ranks of those he admired.

“I had watched lots of people at this school who I looked up to take home the Clavelli, it was such an honor to be able to count myself among them,” said Silverman. “Everyone who helped shape my sense of humor at this school helped me write that performance, and everyone in the crowd was such a joy to perform for.”

Performing Arts Assistant Professor Tushar Mathew , a judge for the Jess Ilias Clavelli Comedy Award, discussed the importance of ComEx and the Clavelli Competition in nurturing student talent.

“The benefit of having the Clavelli Competition, or ComEx as a whole is how it gives students the platform and the opportunity to continue to hone their unique comedic expression,” said Mathew. “The only way you’re able to truly listen to what you are creating is to put it in front of an audience.”

Mathew, who concluded his second year as a judge, described the event as both joyful and energizing. 

“I have laughed a lot and have had so many moments of inspiration and genuine surprise,” said Mathew.