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Humorology

Humorology is one of the oldest and richest traditions on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It is also the largest non-profit student service organization in Wisconsin. Over 300 students work year round, donating their time and talent to produce a musical comedy show that raises money for local and national charities. In addition to over 150 hours of rehearsal time, each student also participates in numerous service projects within the Madison Community.

More about the show

The show itself consists of six original mini musical comedies that are performed over a series of three nights. Each twenty-minute show takes popular music and adapts it into an original story full of singing, dancing, and, of course, plenty of comedy. What makes Humorology so unique is that, aside from the music score, everything is created by the students. Each show is written, directed, choreographed, and performed by the students themselves. Even the sets and costumes are student-made, and when backed by a professional tech crew, Humorology has been equated to the caliber of an off-Broadway production.

Humorology is not just a show - it is also a competition. Rehearsals begin in early October and each cast prepares a nine-minute first half of their show with which they audition for the final show. Auditions take place in December and six casts are chosen to move on to the final show, which is held in April in the Memorial Union Theater. In preparation for the final show the remaining six casts lengthen their shows by 10 minutes to produce a 20-minute mini-musical comedy. The final night of the show awards are given to the shows that ranked First, Second and Third according to a panel of unbiased judges. Additional "Caption" awards are given for Best Musical Number, Best Use of Theme, Best Female Performer, Best Male Performer and Funniest Show among others.

Past Productions