The Serious Power of Comedy

A group of college-age students stand outdoors on a campus. In the foreground, three friends—two young men and a young woman—look surprised and point toward something off-camera. One wears a striped baseball jersey, another a red sweater, and the woman stands between them. In the background, two other students watch, with campus buildings and greenery visible behind them.

Members of the oldest improv group at USC, Comedus Interruptus, perform outside Bovard.(USC Photo/Caleb Griffin)

March 23, 2026