In 2021, I surveyed working comedians (performers, writers, producers, directors) to see how much the first Trump presidency influenced their comedy. The survey was part of a research project for a political communication course while I was completing my master’s degree at Harvard University’s Extension School.
A lot has happened in the past four years: SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, the advent of artificial intelligence, and two subsequent presidencies.
I am currently pursuing a full-time PhD in political science at UCLA and conducting a follow-up survey to see how these same comedians view the effect of politics on their work in 2025. This is a convenience sample (i.e., participants are not chosen randomly) of professional comedy folks. My experiences as a long-time sketch comedian and improvisor in Los Angeles and New York (at UCB, the Groundlings, etc.) present a unique opportunity to survey people I actually know from the comedy world.
If you fouind your way here—because I emailed you or reached out on Instagram—it’s because you are a comedian, comedy writer, director, or comedic performer, and your input on this survey is extremely valuable. Thanks!
If you have any questions, email me at nateclark@ucla.edu.
What is this survey?
This is a non-experimental survey to gauge the effect of the current Trump administration on the work of professional comedians, comedy writers, comedic performers, and anyone in the creative business of comedy.
Why are you conducting this survey?
I conducted a similar survey in 2021 as part of my master’s degree at Harvard University. I am now a full-time PhD student in the political science department at UCLA. This follow-up survey will help me understand how comedy creators are thinking about their work during the second Trump administration.
Is this project “political?”
No. This is not political activism. It is a social science research project. I am simply interested in whether or not the current political climate is inspiring comedians.
How will the answers be used?
I am presenting the findings from this survey at the 2025 American Political Science Association conference in Vancouver. I may also seek to publish the results in an academic journal.
Will my answers be public?
No. All responses remain confidential. You name will not published.
I’m not political and I don’t feel comfortable answering questions about politics. Is that okay?
Of course it’s okay! We’ve all got a lot of stres in our lives… this survey should not be stressful. There is no pressure from me for you to participate.