Christopher Griswold-Jenkins

Christopher Griswold-Jenkins is the Assistant Director at Emerson College's Center for Comedic Arts, where they oversee program development, curate educational events, and mentor students in the first comedy BFA program in the United States. They are dedicated to expanding the educational experience through innovative projects such as the annual comedy festival and the newly created Emerson Mainstage Improv.

With nearly 30 years of experience in improv, including more than a decade in the NYC comedy scene, Christopher has performed at The Annoyance Theatre and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, and worked at the UCB Training Center.

As one of the world’s most prolific improv teachers, they have trained thousands of students with vastly diverse improv goals, many of whom have achieved success in the industry, writing, directing or starring in The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, among other notable projects. Christopher has also served as a coach for house teams at prominent NYC theaters, including Magnet Theater and People's Improv Theater (PIT).

A thought leader and mentor in international improv, Christopher has developed innovative teaching methodologies, led workshops in more than a dozen countries. They are the creator of the Improv Discussion and Resources podcast, with a global network of more than 9,000 for improvisers worldwide, to explore contemporary issues in improv.

In 2021, Christopher co-created Pineappl, a pioneering video platform specifically designed for live improv, enabling performers to connect with audiences in real-time worldwide. They also co-founded Improv For Life with Tarik Davis, providing strategic interpersonal communication training for clients such as Yelp and the Rhode Island School of Design.

Christopher and their wife Rhiannon tour internationally, performing and teaching at improv festivals and advising theaters from Philadelphia to Amsterdam. They have toured their partially hybrid improv clown cabaret show Good Girl across the UK fringe circuit, which received rave reviews and sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024.

Committed to advocacy, Christopher has worked on mental health awareness initiatives, including content creation for Project #UROK and seriously.tv, and served as an ambassador for UN Women's #HeForShe program. They also write and act, appearing in a variety of sketch comedy videos, commercials, and PSAs, and have co-written and coached TEDx Talks.

Christopher privately coaches individuals for creativity, problem-solving, personal branding, and emotional connection.

As the Assistant Director of Emerson College's Center for Comedic Arts, Christopher Griswold-Jenkins plays a key role in overseeing the planning, programming, and operations of the Center. They work closely with faculty, students, and industry professionals to develop innovative academic and co-curricular initiatives that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the Comedic Arts program.

Christopher’s responsibilities include executive producing Emerson’s annual ComEx! comedy festival, which showcases student talent and brings together alumni and professional comedians. In addition to ComEx!, they design and oversee a wide range of events such as panels, workshops, Q&As, and performances, ensuring that these experiences are inclusive, diverse, and impactful for the Emerson community.

Christopher also manages strategic partnerships with alumni, industry leaders, and external organizations, fostering professional opportunities for students and helping them build connections within the comedy industry. Their role includes advising on the Center’s budget, supporting admissions outreach, and mentoring students throughout their academic journey.

With extensive experience in comedy and education, Christopher brings a unique vision to the Center for Comedic Arts, focusing on creating a dynamic, inclusive, and globally connected environment for Emerson students.