During the daytime, Shaun Bedgood (CAS 05’) can be seen patrolling around Suffolk as a campus cop. But for his night gig, the Suffolk alum trades in his nightstick for a microphone.

Since emerging on the Boston comedy scene in November 2004, Bedgood has become one of the area’s most talented stand-up comedians. A former sociology major at Suffolk, Bedgood incorporates everyday life into his act—including fodder from his day job at the university. For the Alabama native, however, it was an experience as an undergraduate that propelled him into the world of comedy.

“I had always kind of been the funny guy of the group,” said Bedgood. “And then one day, I was hanging out with a few people on the fourth floor of the Donahue building. I overheard this guy say, ‘Shaun’s a funny dude and should really do something with comedy.’ That inspired me to get started. Doing stand-up was something I had thought about. I then put together and performed 20 minutes of material. After that I just started contacting people on the Boston scene and went from there.”

Bedgood has performed in venues from New York to Boston and even received a callback to NBC’s Stand-up for Diversity comedy talent search, which he calls his biggest career accomplishment to date. Last year, the Suffolk grad filmed a cameo appearance in an upcoming Brendan Fraser film called Furry Vengeance. Ironically, Bedgood plays a security guard in the movie.

Currently Bedgood is finishing up a second undergraduate degree at Suffolk in performing and visual arts with a theater concentration. So far, Bedgood has found his recent studies to be invaluable to his stand-up career.

“It’s definitely helped a lot,” said Bedgood of his performing arts classes. “I’ve learned how to approach auditions. It’s helped with performing on stage as well. It’s made a difference.”

Influenced by the likes of Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby, Bedgood’s impeccable storytelling abilities and commanding stage presence have made him one of Boston’s favorites. Ultimately, Bedgood said that he would like to reach the pinnacle of the stand-up world.

“I would love to go and be a national headliner,” said Bedgood. “That would be the ideal situation. I have a lot of respect for the profession.”