Duke University Improv (DUI)
Duke University Improv (DUI) is Duke’s only improv comedy troupe. They perform across campus throughout the year, leading up to their final comedy showcase, the Big Show. From the money that it raises through performances, DUI donates $10,000 per year to the Scott Carter Foundation. Throughout its history, DUI has raised over $100,000 and almost as many laughs. If you’d like to find out more information including bookings and auditions, please read through our website or email dui@duke.edu. DUI was founded by a handful of freshmen in the basement of Gilbert-Addoms dormitory in the fall of 1996. The group rapidly grew in popularity and by the spring of 1998, the Big Show, DUI’s end-of-the-year comedy extravaganza, was born. DUI regularly performs for capacity crowds throughout the year in venues ranging from Page Auditorium to Pegram dormitory to campuses across the country. Dorm shows are DUI’s most common performance, but they also perform in large theatre venues on campus and at various recruiting events for the administration. DUI performs around 30-40 shows in a school year. A typical show includes 10-12 short-form improv games similar to the ones you would find on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” On top of short-form improv, DUI also mixes in long-form improv, scripted sketch comedy, and videos – basically anything to make you laugh. Ultimately, DUI’s members pride themselves on being a comedy group with the ability to adapt to any performance situation that presents itself – whether that’s performing in front of 1,200 people in Page Auditorium or 4 people at a birthday party in a cramped hotel room (yes, they’ve done that too!). Have DUI perform for your dorm or quad by e-mailing dui@duke.edu DUI alumni span the globe, many performing. Some of our alums are members of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York, while others are members of Second City and IO in Chicago. You can also find DUI alumni in print. Dana Vachon’s debut novel ”Mergers and Acquisitions”, a Wall Street satire, has received critical acclaim and Porter Mason, author of the successful Chronicle comic ”Johnny the Mediocre Human” while at Duke, writes the comic strip ”Bassist Wanted”. Become a member of the DUI community and feel free to contact DUI for information on bookings, auditions, or any other questions you may have.
Contact: jbw47@duke.edu