2024-10-02 18:00:04
The new École supérieure des Arts du rire, the ESAR, has just opened its doors in Avignon, right in the city center. Sponsored by comedian Jérémy Ferrari, the school offers a two-year degree program for students from various backgrounds and ages, with the ambition to make them the comedians of tomorrow.
35 hours of classes per week in the first year
In this first week of the new school year, the brand new students of the ESAR discovered their classrooms – located in the premises of the theater La Scala Provence, their teachers, and what lies ahead over the next two years. ” I have been looking for a school like this for a long time, says Kémis, 26, from Carpentras. In France, when you say you want to be a comedian, no one takes you seriously; they tell you to go through YouTube, but I don’t want to be a YouTuber. Here, for two years, we will be trained, monitored, and graduated at the end!
Anne-Lyvia Tollinchi
On the agenda: the first year takes place in Avignon with 35 hours of weekly classes, including classes on gestural communication, improvisation, humorous writing, classic texts, and current affairs with a journalist to learn how to find and verify information before using it to write a sketch.
A turnkey show at the end of the second year
The second year takes place in Paris. The students will prepare a one-hour show, a “one-man show,” with their teachers. “By the end of the second year, they will be able to knock on any door; they will all have a show to present,” explains Frédéric Biessy, General Director of La Scala Paris and La Scala Provence and General Director of the school.
“We are not going to have 50 great comedians coming out of this cohort; that’s for sure, just like all schools, admits Frédéric Biessy, but they will all have a solid foundation, a part of their journey completed. If some decide they ultimately want to write and become a writer, or work in sound, they can continue their training with two validated years already. Universities could take them directly into the third year.”
Anne-Lyvia Tollinchi
“Gaining real experience”
Students had to audition before being accepted into the school. Noah and Antonin applied without any experience, crossing their fingers. “We were together at Aix University in the cinema option, and Antonin said to me, come on, let’s apply to this school of Jérémy Ferrari,” recalls Noah.
And Antonin adds: “We had no experience; we just knew how to make our friends laugh. And in the end, it worked out, it’s crazy. We are going to discover the stage, gain tools, get real training, and prepare a show. It’s a dream and it’s in Avignon, in our region.”
The Rise of Comedy Schools: Shaping the Future of Humor
The recent launch of the École supérieure des Arts du rire (ESAR) in Avignon, sponsored by comedian Jérémy Ferrari, marks a significant trend in the education of budding comedians. This institution offers a two-year accredited program designed to transform aspiring humorists from various backgrounds into the comedic stars of tomorrow. With the demand for original comedic content on multiple platforms, from live performances to digital media, such educational establishments are becoming increasingly relevant.
A Comprehensive Curriculum to Foster Talent
At ESAR, students dive into a rigorous 35-hour weekly curriculum in their first year, including classes in gestural communication, improvisation, and humor writing. This multi-faceted approach fulfills the growing industry need for well-rounded performers capable of engaging audiences across different mediums. As traditional pathways often overlook the potential of comedy as a serious profession, institutions like ESAR provide the structured training necessary to elevate the status of humorists.
Preparing for Professional Opportunities
In the second year, the program takes students to Paris, where they will work toward producing a one-hour solo show. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and a unique comedic voice. The ability to present a polished performance upon graduation not only enhances employability but also establishes a foundation for those who may aspire to venture into writing or production roles within the entertainment industry.
New Pathways in Comedy
Auditions for entry into these programs showcase a democratic approach to talent selection, allowing individuals without prior experience to pursue their comedic aspirations. This opens doors for diverse voices and perspectives in the field, which are critical as the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve. The combination of formal training and the unique cultural backdrop of cities like Avignon and Paris can inspire a new generation of humorists who resonate with contemporary audiences.
Embracing the Future of Comedy
As more institutions emerge globally to foster comedy talent, we can anticipate a shift in the entertainment landscape where humor is recognized as a legitimate art form requiring Education. With the increasing integration of comedy into various aspects of life—from social media to live entertainment—these educational trends signify an acknowledgment of the importance of humor in culture. The evolution of comedy schools, therefore, could potentially redefine not just the profession but also societal perceptions of comedy as an influential mode of expression.