BOSTON, Mass. — Cole Alberti of West Gardiner won first place with the “Jess” award, with a prize of $1,400, for Alberti’s improv monologue at the ComEx! Extravaganza at Emerson College.
The 2022 ComEx! Extravaganza was held April 24, and participants received feedback from a panel of judges. The “Jess” is awarded yearly to a junior or senior comedy performer. Eligibility includes being a BFA Comedic Arts major, and/or a member of a College-recognized comedy troupe.
The award was named after Jess Ilias Clavelli, who was the 6-year-old son of Christopher Clavelli (’83). He died suddenly in February 2003.
Even at that young age, Jess displayed a unique gift for storytelling. While other children were creating happy characters, Jess understood how conflict in his stories could help him find the heart of the action and what was humorous about the situation, according to a news release about the award.
This award seeks to commemorate and honor Jess and to recognize a student comic who demonstrates the sweet and funny attributes that marked Jess’s short life.
Alberti is majoring in comedic arts and is a member of the class of 2024.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
