It’s always a good sign when comedians crack themselves up, and there are plenty of guffaws at any rehearsal or performance of the Buttered Niblets, Hopkins’ student improv comedy group. 

“Nothing has catapulted my self-confidence like having to act like a chicken on stage for seven minutes straight,” says Eliza Principe Garcia ’25, the Nibs’ communications and events chair. 

People are often surprised to learn that good improv requires rehearsing—there’s even an improv textbook—but the Nibs practice twice a week, plus every day the week before their monthly shows. 

It’s improv, so nothing is off the table. Nibs might become channels on a radio dial or “die” onstage; they might even riff off the audience. It’s like a group of best friends who are never not having fun. 

But they also gain life skills. Principe Garcia says improv helps with public speaking and with thinking on your feet, and builds the confidence to talk to people, make decisions, and lead. “Putting yourself out there and being silly in front of a bunch of strangers,” they say, “erases a lot of other insecurities.”