The Buttered Niblets, a student-run improvisational comedy group at Hopkins University, continues to entertain audiences with their unique and participatory performances. Established nearly 40 years ago, the group holds approximately six shows each academic year, drawing inspiration from audience suggestions for their comedic scenes.
Performances take place in various campus venues, including the Bloomberg lecture halls and the Arellano Theatre. Each 90-minute show features a mix of improv games, encouraging audience interaction and spontaneity. Members solicit words, locations, relationships, or even song lyrics from attendees, which serve as the foundation for their plots.
At the start of each fall semester, the Buttered Niblets host workshops open to the public, welcoming newcomers to the art of improv. This initiative not only introduces participants to the craft but also encourages students with little or no prior experience to audition for the group. The current ensemble consists of nine dedicated members who foster a strong sense of community.
Commitment to Craft
While the members enjoy a relaxed atmosphere during practice, they take their craft seriously. During show weeks, they rehearse daily, and on regular weeks, they meet twice a week. The emphasis on collaboration is crucial, as members often perform with set partners, which can be a challenging aspect of improv. In an interview with The News-Letter, Lia Carroll, the group’s Secretary, explained, “Improv is a lot more listening than people realize. You have to pay close attention to every word being said to avoid contradicting the scene.”
Despite the challenges, Jack Culligan, the group’s President, reassured that mistakes in improv often lead to unexpected humor. He recalled an incident where a former member mistakenly identified a salamander as a fish during a performance. This misunderstanding became a comedic highlight, showcasing the group’s ability to turn errors into opportunities for laughter.
A Unique Performance Experience
The Buttered Niblets pride themselves on their adaptability, performing in diverse spaces ranging from lecture halls to intimate theaters. Carroll noted that they require minimal setup, often just two chairs, which reflects the essence of improv. “This flexibility makes improv special,” she remarked.
Culligan emphasized the importance of smaller venues, where the close proximity to the audience fosters a more personal connection. He stated, “In traditional theater settings, there’s often a wall between the audience and the performance. With improv, we break that barrier by asking for suggestions and sometimes engaging with the audience directly.”
The group embraces all interactions, even the occasional “boos” from the audience, viewing them as part of the performance experience. Culligan expressed his appreciation for the diverse personalities within the group, stating, “Everyone in that club is not normal, and I really appreciate that. It adds value to our performances.”
The Buttered Niblets continue to thrive as a vital part of the Hopkins community, blending humor with audience engagement to create a memorable and entertaining experience. Their commitment to improv not only showcases their talent but also highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the arts.
