The stage at the Palace Theater came alive with laughter on the night of Saturday, Nov. 16, as the campus celebrated its annual improv comedy tradition.
The beloved event featured a collaboration between Colgate’s student improv troupe, Charred Goosebeak, and renowned comedians John Barinholtz (“Superstore”) and Rob Belushi (“How I Met Your Mother”), who have become regular fixtures in the tradition.
The evening began with the students delivering quick-witted, high-energy performances that set the tone for nonstop laughter.
They kicked off with games like “Shift Left,” a crowd favorite featuring four simultaneous scenes that switched back and forth with every prompt.
The scenarios were delightfully absurd: two scientists navigating the hilariously awkward fact that one was dating the other’s mom, two coworkers at Chili’s where one tried to teach the other the art of machismo, a mother and daughter facing quinceañera chaos and a casual situationship spiraling into comedic dysfunction.
With rapid transitions and sharp storytelling, the audience was left howling as the absurdity escalated with each twist.
Among the audience was first-year Matthew Arnold, who said it was his first time attending the annual show.
“I had no idea what the show was, but then the entire theater filled up. People were standing, people were sitting on the floor — that really piqued my interest. Then the improv starts, and it is absolutely hilarious,” Arnold said. “It was fantastic. All the students were great — it was so funny.”
Barinholtz and Belushi soon joined the action, along with Hollywood forces Jaime Moyer, Tim Stoltenberg and Edgar Blackmon. Together, they created a dynamic performance that blended sharp improvisational skill with the unique charm of audience-driven humor.
Senior Lauren Sterne, co-president of Charred Goosebeak, has been a part of the show for four years.
“As a senior, I have nothing but gratitude for the professionals, my peers in Charred Goosebeak and the entire Colgate community,” Sterne said. “Everyone did their part. The comedians guided us with their expertise and genuine investment in our growth; the members of Charred Goosebeak worked tirelessly to realize the conventions of improv and it was evident on stage; finally, the students and community members showed up for us, completely filling the Palace Theater.”
First-year Gianna Amatuzzi couldn’t contain her excitement when she saw the show’s headliners.
“I’ve seen Barinholtz and Belushi on TV, but seeing them perform live was a whole different experience,” Amatuzzi said. “They were so natural and hilarious, it felt like they were just having fun with the students. It’s crazy to see these big names interact with the Colgate troupe in such a laid-back, spontaneous setting.”
“You forget you’re watching professionals because it feels so personal and raw,” Amatuzzi said.
For many, the chance to see the stars up close made the performance all the more unforgettable.
Another standout element of the night was the incredible energy from the audience. From the moment the show began, the crowd was fully engaged, with students providing suggestions and reactions.
First-year Maddy Duncan noted how the audience played a key role in shaping the night.
“Everyone was so engaged, shouting out suggestions and reacting to every twist and turn,” Duncan said. “It felt like we were part of the performance. The energy in the room was electric — it made everything even funnier.”
The give-and-take between the performers and the audience kept the night fresh, with every scene feeling like a new, unpredictable adventure.
At one point, Barinholtz and Belushi even pulled a student from the audience and began interrogating her for details about her life, which they hilariously wove into an impromptu skit.
When they asked her favorite part of Colgate, she sheepishly replied, “parties,” which immediately sent the crowd into a fit of laughter. They followed up with questions about her hobbies (napping) and her major (economics), turning each answer into comedic gold.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that Colgate’s improv tradition continues to be a highlight of campus life. With students and pros feeding off each other’s energy, the performance felt like a shared experience between the stage and the audience, where the humor was as much about the moment as it was about the punchlines.
“As a leader, I feel immensely proud of Saturday night and grateful for Colgate’s ability to appreciate the arts,” Sterne said. “Walking away from this show is bittersweet. At once it was a huge success, and it also marks the beginning of the end of my time at Colgate.”
If this year’s show proved anything, it’s that the best comedy happens when everyone’s in on the joke — and next year, they’ll be ready to do it all over again.
