Sitting down to an interview with the Buttered Niblets is like trying to convince a rambunctious group of children that it's nap time.
Periods of moderately serious discussion are inevitably interrupted with high-pitched squeals of laughter, hushed whispers and the occasional nervous laughter as a former Niblet passes by. Despite their urgency to live up to their reputation as the funny kids on campus, it is clear that the Niblets possess a strong friendship which solidifies their success on the stage.
The Buttered Niblets are an improvisational comedy troupe on campus composed of nine students who deliver something which is much needed at Hopkins: levity. Although their entire performance is improvised, the Niblets strive to achieve high-quality, respectable comedy that steers away from the less skillful pursuit of dirty jokes.
The group's quirky name was decided upon years ago, and although most current members don't know its significance, it apparently involved a Thai dessert in a Federal Hill restaurant that contained bits of corn.
Although it may seem that the only requirement for a Niblet is the ability to make people laugh, being a member of the Buttered Niblets requires more than fun and games.
The Niblets practice for two to three hours each week, usually in Arellano Theatre, where their productions are held. This impressive practice schedule enables them to produce about four shows a semester. The week preceding a show is affectionately dubbed "Hell Week," because the Niblets have a two to three hour rehearsal every night.
Now, you might be asking yourself, how does one practice for improvisational comedy?
"We play games," said Ryan Maddix, a junior.
During a Buttered Niblets performance, the cast participates in as many as nine or ten improvisational comedy games. During these games, the actors take suggestions that the audience members shout out at random.
For example, in the "Family Game," the actors receive cues that indicate what kind of family they need to act out (for example, "fat family" or "tree family").
Although the Niblets may appear quick on their feet, it is their solid knowledge of each other's strengths and weaknesses that facilitates their success.
During their rehearsals, the Niblets concentrate on maintaining a continuous flow of witty responses that will provoke a positive response from the audience.
"It is the spontaneity of improvisation that sets this genre of theater apart from others," said Zach Goodman, a sophomore Niblet. "Because the show responds to suggestions from the audience, you are instantly creating a world from a word."
"Laughter has a certain immediacy that you don't encounter in other areas of theater," said freshman Adar Eisenbruch. "Even if you are involved in a funny play, it is scripted, so you are anticipating the audience's response. Improvisation is exciting because there is less lag time between the execution of the joke and the audience's response."
In order to achieve maximum laughter from the audience, the Niblets have learned to play off of each other.
Indeed, the amount of time spent together has created a refreshing cohesion among members of the group, something which is instantly evident, even to a non-Niblet.
The genuine friendship of the Niblets is evident in both their performances and their responses to each other. Sophomore Amy Hellman said that it was the "interaction with her fellow Niblets" that made the time worthwhile.
"Earlier this year, when my parents and friends asked me how the Buttered Niblets were going," said Eisenbruch. "I told them, ??"Hey, I have a play date with the funniest kids on campus twice a week.'"
The Buttered Niblets have a show on April 1st in Arellano Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets are $1, the proceeds of which enable the Niblets to party after the show.
