History
DUI has been entertaining the Duke community for over a decade. From a mock-appella group winning an East Campus talent show in 1996 to self-proclaimed "Ninja Consultants" crashing the Duke Career Fair in 2002 to christening the plaza with an improv performance in 2007, DUI has performed everywhere and in every way.
For many Duke students, DUI is synonymous with the Duke experience. You may have seen DUI perform as a p-frosh at a Duke Up Close show, as a part of over literally half the incoming freshmen class at the Orientation Show, as an upperclassmen with your family at the Parents' Weekend Show, or as a soon-to-be graduating senior at your fourth and final Big Show.
That's your history. Here's ours.
1996-1997
The Creation Story Written by The Founders
Every once in a long while the stars and moons align and something amazing happens. On one particular day in February 1997, something did happen. Harris Brodsky bought Snapple. It is rumored that this is how the original members formed Duke University Improv in the Gilbert-Addoms “Down Under” that year. Well, it’s partly correct, but here goes the real creation story.
Momentum to form an improv comedy group at Duke started before February, 1997. In late 1996, East Campus held an “East Campus Extravaganza” at Reynolds Theater, Bryan Center. Each dorm was to showcase “talent” for the show. Judges would award a pool table to the winners. GA dorm created a “mock-appella” group to enter the contest and sing parodies of Speak of the Devil and Pitchfork songs. It is in preparation for this event that Sean Loughlin and Matt Kovalick met Cason Carter, all 3 were a part of the approximately 10 person group. Now, the term “preparation” should be used loosely. Somehow, members threw a few songs together the night before the show and completed them 1 hour before the show. Somehow, the hits like “Breakfast at the Marketplace” captured the hearts of dozens and the group walked away with a pool table for GA.
DUI owes much gratitude to Bill Burig, director of student housing, for concentrating much of the comedic talent of the freshman class in GA and Randolph (plus a diamond in the rough in Alspaugh). Six of the original members came from GA, 2 from Randolph, and 1 from Alspaugh. John Grant, Matt Kovalick, and Sean Loughlin lived on the first floor of GA, aka “the Zone.” Scott Hecker and Cason Carter lived on the second floor. (The “9th” member of DUI, Peter Gail, lived on the third floor—but Pete dropped out of the group due to pledging and soccer commitments—never to have performed with DUI). Porter Mason and Nupur Mehta lived in Randolph and Harris Brodsky lived in Alspaugh.
Ramblings of creating an improv group had persisted during the year. All group members were fans of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and had seen Comedy Sportz during orientation week. In approximately mid-February the time was right for a new campus group. John and Sean called a meeting for an evening at the GA Down Under. Sean invited Scott, Matt invited Porter who was friends with Nupe. The message found Cason and Peter. And mysterious Harris came to GA after hearing from a hallmate (a friend of Cason) about the beginnings of an improv group. The hallmate never showed up, but Harris did.
So that was the original eight, plus one:
- Harris Brodsky
- Cason Carter
- John Grant
- Scott Hecker
- Sean Loughlin
- Matt Kovalick
- Porter Mason
- Nupur Mehta
- (Peter Gail)
The rumors are true. This new improv group, coined “DUI: Duke University Improv” by Scott Hecker, was awful, awful, awful at the beginning. But that did not dissuade this precocious crew. By the end of freshman year, DUI performed ten times including the inaugural show at GA commons room, Trinity Café, Alspaugh, Randolph, the west campus premiere at Delta Sig, and a final show at GA again.
Spring 1997 was also the year that the idea of the Big Show was conceived. A few members including Porter Mason, Scott Hecker, and Cason Carter were in GA talking about their pasts and it came out that these three members’ families had been greatly affected by cancer. At this point, DUI was doing well financially and did not have any costs. The idea to have a big show entitled, “The Big Show” was born. All the proceeds from the group would be donated to the Scott Carter Foundation for cancer research. Cason’s family started the foundation in memory of his brother Scott who died of bone cancer.
Those were the carefree days of long hair and TV themed opening sketches. DUI was on the verge of campus stardom. But they would have to wait until fall of 1997 and survive a horrible outdoor sophomore class picnic performance before DUI truly established its monopoly of comedy on campus.
Flynn Barrison was the official ninth member of DUI. Andy Cies was the tenth. After a heartfelt performance as a Civil War soldier discussing the virtues of peaches, Flynn was assured a spot in the DUI ranks. Andy Cies’ portrayal of a National Geographic photographer who lived with ants in the kitchen won him the second spot at the first DUI auditions.
So that is the beginning.
Much happened between that fateful day in February 1997 and Spring 2000—the year the founding members graduated. Three Big Shows raised approximately $25,000 for cancer research. Big Show III sold out Page Auditorium and featured the likes of Shane Battier, Jason Williams, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Nick Horvath, Nan Keohane, Bill Burig, Diane Conners of the BC Café, Lisa Zeidner, Duke Cheerleaders, Jeff West, and a video by Dick Vitale. Shows included those at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Baldwin Auditorium, the Durham Academy, Alumni lounge, Cable 13, dozens of dorms, and even the “Rat.” Tour stops were made to University of Virginia, UNC at Chapel Hill, and Georgetown. And the Annual Christmas Show and new Mystery Show (Fall 1999) were performed.
1997-1998
DUI's freshmen were now sophomores and the full first year of DUI existence began. In the first ever DUI auditions, freshmen Flynn Barrison and Andy Cies joined the group. The group began to gain recognition across campus. In October, a front page appearance in The Chronicle announced "Much Ado About Dook Improv" DUI performed home and away. In Cameron Indoor Stadium, the University of Virginia, and of course Gilbert-Addoms dormitory. Big Show 1--then just "The Big Show"--was performed on April 17, 1998 as the first major benefit for the Scott Carter Foundation.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed., Sept. 17, 1997 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 9:00 PM |
| Wed., Jan. 21, 1998 | Brownstone Show | Brownstone Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Fri., Jan. 23, 1998 | Inaugural "Beer on Points" Show | The Rat | 7:00 PM |
| Sat., Jan. 24, 1998 | UVA Show | Espresso Corner, UVA | 9:00 PM & 10:00 PM |
| Sat., Feb. 21, 1998 | Lady Blue Groovin' Spring Concert, Emcees | Nelson Music Room | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM |
| Sat., Feb. 28, 1998 | UNC Game Pep Rally | Cameron Indoor Stadium | 8:15 PM |
| Mon., Mar. 2, 1998 | Bassett Dormitory Show | Bassett Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Wed., Mar. 11, 1998 | Mirecourt Quad Show | Mirecourt Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Wed., Mar. 25, 1998 | Blackwell Dormitory Show | Blackwell Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Fri., Apr. 17, 1998 | Big Show 1 | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM |
Big Show 1
DUI's first Big Show took place on April, 17 1998. Its 10 original members looked to bring improv to Page Auditorium. Shane Battier prominently featured in Big Show 1 when he stole the buzzer used for an improv game. To this date, it is uncertain whether this event was staged or not. With the help of the audience and many other charitable donations, the Big Show in its first year raised over $7,000.
1998-1999
In DUI's third year, the group grew to 13 members when in auditions freshmen Tom Cass and Bobby Jones and senior Laura Bronner joined the group. So despite the fact that DUI has historically been largely male, DUI's oldest member is in fact female.
Many firsts marked this year as DUI sought to expand its reach on campus. The DUI News list was born. The first annual DUI Christmas Show was performed in the Alumni Lounge on West Campus. And Big Show 2 was the first of three themed Big Shows.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Nov. 12, 1998 | Blackwell Dormitory Show | Blackwell Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Tues., Dec. 7, 1998 | 1st Annual Christmas Show | Alumni Lounge | 8:00 PM |
| Wed., Jan. 20, 1999 | Brownstone Show | Brownstone Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Thurs., Feb. 11, 1999 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Sat., Feb. 20, 1999 | Lady Blue Groovin' Spring Concert, Emcees | Nelson Music Room | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM |
| Wed., Mar. 10, 1999 | Burton Dormitory Show | Burton Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Tues., Mar. 23, 1999 | Mirecourt Quad Show | Mirecourt Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Tues., Mar. 30, 1999 | Central Campus Show | Trent Café | 9:00 PM |
| Fri., Apr. 16, 1999 | Big Show 2 | Page Auditorium | 9:00 PM |
Big Show 2
DUI's second Big Show did its darndest to be even bigger than the first. Through the inspiration and might of the wily Matt Kovalick, they began with a musical fanfare and tribute to the Lion King. It was beautiful and touching, but a bit to touching for Cason and many others in the group. The group was summarily disbanded on the spot five miunutes into the show.
Fortunately, Marty McFly and Doc Brown came back from the future and delivered a copy of A&E's Biography to them. The videos showed the peril of the group's disbanding. The horror's within were enough to keep the group together, and they continued on to finish the Big Show with some wily improv (but not as wily as Matt).
Then of course Shane Battier made another appearance,helping out the group with his skilled and dreamy singing. Again, with the increased crowds as well as many generous donations, DUI was able to raise $8,000 in its second year for the Scott Carter Foundation.
1999-2000
This year was the final year for the founding members of DUI. Laura Bronner had graduated the previous Spring and Tom Cass quickly dropped out of the group due to time constraints with the Duke Wrestling team. Realizing the eight seniors would graduate at the end of the year and strip DUI of over half its members, DUI held both Fall and Spring Auditions. In the Fall, freshman Seth Weitberg joined and was followed by sophomores Bret Runestad and Dana Vachon in the Spring.
DUI performed a Mystery Show, their second annual Christmas Show, and at ImprovFest 2000 at Georgetown University. The third and final Big Show for the founding members was themed as an awards show for the seniors. Big Show 3 sold out Page Auditorium--a first for the group.
DUI's founding members had created the group, established its traditions, and gained popularity on campus as Duke's preeminent comedy troupe. Now they were leaving the group for a new generation.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed., Dec. 1, 1999 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 10:30 PM |
| Mon., Dec. 6, 1999 | 2nd Annual Christmas Show | Alumni Lounge | 9:30 PM |
| Sat., Jan. 15, 2000 | Spring Auditions | -- | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
| Thurs., Jan. 20, 2000 | Brownstone Rush Show | Brownstone Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Fri., Jan. 21, 2000 | Spring Auditions Call-Backs | -- | 5:00 PM |
| Fri., Feb. 18, 2000 | Lady Blue Groovin' Spring Concert, Emcees | Baldwin Auditorium | 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM |
| Wed., Feb. 23, 2000 | DUI/Chapel Hill Players Show | Murphey Hall, UNC | 8:00 PM |
| Wed.-Thurs., Feb. 23-24, 2000 | Duke's 1st Annual 24hr Dance Marathon | -- | Midnight |
| Sun., Feb. 27, 2000 | Mirecourt Quad Show | Mirecourt Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Tues., Feb. 29, 2000 | The Leap Year Day Show | Randolph Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Wed., Mar. 9, 2000 | Gilbert-Addoms Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Fri., Mar. 24, 2000 | Improvfest 2000 | Georgetown University | 10:00 PM |
| Sat., Mar. 25, 2000 | Improvfest 2000 | Georgetown University | 8:00 PM |
| Fri., Mar. 31, 2000 | Duke's 75th Anniversary Celebration | Wallace Wade Stadium | -- |
| Sat., Apr. 1, 2000 | Relay for Life Benefit | -- | -- |
| Fri., Apr. 14, 2000 | Big Show 3 | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM |
| Tues., Apr. 18, 2000 | Pegram Dormitory Show | Pegram Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Sun., May 14, 2000 | Senior Graduation Show | Alumni Lounge | 2:00 PM |
Big Show 3
This was was huge. With 8 founding seniors, it seemed appropriate to give them their own awards show (well, they thought it would be appropriate...).Big Show 3 was a star studded event to say the least. And, of course, in an event that few will forget, Shane Battier made his annual appearance-this year assisted by the cheerleaders (doing the Rock-Lobster, no less!). The Chronicle covered the preparations including Battier's dance lessons.
For the first year, the Big Show sold out! With this maxed-out crowd as well as some hefty fund-raising during the year, DUI was able to raise $10,000 for cancer research, bringing the total to $25,000 that DUI had raised for the Scott Carter Foundation.
2000-2001
DUI's first year without its founding members and a new era for the group. At auditions that Fall, DUI raised its numbers to nine admitting freshmen Greg Anderson, Paul Downs, and John Marnell.
Again DUI expanded itself to new venues and performances. DUI performed its first ever Orientation Show on August 26, 2000--an event which has since become a staple of Freshmen Orientation. The first DUI Parents' Weekend Show went up in a crowded Von Canon in October of that year. DUI also performed at the Durham Academy, the Ark on East Campus, the third annual Christmas Show, and at Blue Devil Days for prospective students.
Big Show 4, "Who Stole the Big Show?", was the last of DUI's themed Big Shows.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Aug. 26, 2000 | Freshmen Orientation Show | Baldwin Auditorium | 8:30 PM |
| Fri., Sept. 22, 2000 | Durham Academy 6th-8th Grade Show | Durham Academy | 2:00 PM |
| Tues., Oct. 10, 2000 | Southgate Dormitory Show | Southgate Commons | 8:00 PM |
| Tues., Oct. 24, 2000 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Fri., Oct. 27, 2000 | Parents' & Family Weekend Show | Von Canon, Bryan Center | 8:00 PM |
| Sat., Nov. 4 & 11, 2000 | Arts in the Ark Show | The Ark, East Campus | Evening |
| Thurs., Nov. 17, 2000 | AOPi Sophomore Retreat | -- | -- |
| Sat., Dec. 2, 2000 | Apple Pies and Funny Guys Show | Von Canon, Bryan Center | 9:00 PM |
| Fri., Jan. 26, 2001 | 3rd Annual Christmas Show | -- | -- |
| Tues., Feb. 20, 2001 | "The 1st Show After The Christmas Show" Show | Randolph Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Thurs., Mar. 1, 2001 | Language Dormitory Show | Language Dormitory | 9:00 PM |
| Tues., Mar. 6, 2001 | Alspaugh Dormitory Show | Alspaugh Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Tues., Mar. 20, 2001 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Tues., Mar. 27, 2001 | Bassett Dormitory Show | Bassett Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Sat., Mar. 31, 2001 | Lady Blue Groovin' Spring Concert, Emcees | Griffith Film Theater | 2:00 PM |
| Thurs., Apr. 12, 2001 | Blue Devil Days Show | Devil's Den | 8:30 PM |
| Fri., Apr. 20, 2001 | Big Show 4 | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM |
Big Show 4
Big Show 4 was the last of DUI's themed Big Shows. Subtitled "Who Stole the Big Show?", Big Show 4 featured campus celebrities like President Nan Keohane, Shane Battier, Chris Duhon, and Mike Dunleavy Jr.
2001-2002
In the Fall, DUI's first members to be admitted through auditions (Flynn Barrison & Andy Cies) were replaced by incoming freshmen Jeremy Chapman and Rob Painter.
DUI continued to expand itself on campus as noted by The Chronicle in a September article entitled, "Getting Down with DUI". DUI peformed its first ever improv musical in Mirecourt, raised money for victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11 by performing at a Parizade fundraiser, performed at fraternity/sorority mixers, and began its first shows at the Hideaway on West Campus.
Big Show 5 again packed Page Auditorium helping DUI raise money for the Scott Carter Foundation.
Big Show 5
Big Show 5 began the second era of Big Shows for DUI. Rather than a themed show like the previous three had been, Big Show 5 was structured as a variety show featuring improv, scripted sketches, and short films shown on the big screen in Page Auditorium.
Big Show 5 featured campus celebrites such as Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Nick Horvath, and Reggie Love. Videos shown at Big Show 5 included "Say No To Improv," "DUI vs. Ballers," and "Day at the Park" among others.
2002-2003
In the Fall, DUI admitted it second female member, sophomore Caroline Haubold, along with freshman Andrew Humphries and sophomore Ryan Welsh.
DUI was performing at an ever increasing rate for audiences at the Durham Academy, the Hideaway, Georgetown University and the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. on DUI's annual Fall Break road trip, Moot Court, a benefit at the Duke Primate Center, and the Freeman Center. In October of 2002, DUI notoriously crashed the Duke Career Fair, posing as "Ninja Consultants." Convincing more than a few Duke students looking for jobs, "Goldblatt, Schwartz, Schwartz, & D'Chezowick" carried business cards that promised "immediate impact, long term results for the modern ninja clan." The Monday, Monday columnist that year covered the story in The Chronicle.
Big Show 6, performed on April 11, 2003, was another success for DUI and the Scott Carter Foundation.
Big Show 6
Big Show 6 featured campus celebrities Dean Sue and Chris Duhon. Videos included "Cribs" with Duhon, "Lord of the Rings," and "Sports Monocle." Stage performances included the notorious "Bible Rap Battle" of Moses Def vs. MC Acquinas, "Troll Shakespeare," and Dean Sue singing and dancing to "Fever."
2003-2004
With the graduation of senior Seth Weitberg the previous Spring, DUI truly began a new era. At this point, Not only had all of DUI's original members graduated, but DUI had no members that had even been in the group with the founding members. At auditions that Fall, DUI picked up freshmen Stephen Cox and Laura Pyatt bringing the group to 10 members--the largest it had been in 4 years.
DUI performed across campus at dorms, quads, special events. DUI performed for a second year at the Duke Primate Center and again regularly at the Hideaway. On their Fall Break road trip, DUI traveled to New York where they performed for the Pingry School and Blair Academy--former high school of Duke Basketball player Luol Deng. Over Parents' Weekend, DUI's performance was attended by and drew praise from speaker Ben Stein. DUI was also prominently featured in a front page article in The Chronicle--"For DUI, practice makes funny".
Big Show 7 on April 15, 2004 was again sold out in part thanks to the popular promotional posters on campus that parodied the Duke Basketball posters.
Big Show 7
Big Show 7 continued in the variety show format. With the enormous popularity of DUI's "Lord of the Rings" parody in Big Show 6, DUI created another parody that opened Big Show 7. DUI then dramatically entered through a backlit TV screen on stage. Campus celebrities featured in the show included President Nan Keohane, Dean Sue, Chris Duhon, and Nick Horvath. Videos included "Saved by the Bell," "DU Eye for the Straight Guy," and "Robot & Mole." The show ended with an extravagant parody of the infamous Janet Jackson Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show.
2004-2005
2004-2005 DUI Events Calendar
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Aug. 20, 2004 | Freshmen Orientation Show | Baldwin Auditorium | 8:00 PM |
| Thurs., Sept. 9, 2004 | Secret Show 17 | Blackwell Archway, East Campus | 9:00 PM |
| Sun., Oct. 3, 2004 | Southgate Dormitory Show | Southgate Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Sun., Oct. 10, 2004 | Northbrook Show | Chicago, IL | 6:00 PM |
| Wed., Oct. 20, 2004 | Freshmen Orientation Show | Wilson Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Fri., Oct. 22, 2004 | Parents' & Family Weekend Show | Von Canon | 9:00 PM |
| Tues., Oct. 26, 2004 | Few Quad Show | Few Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Wed., Oct. 27, 2004 | Alspaugh Dormitory Show | Alspaugh Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Fri., Oct. 29, 2004 | WEL Quad Show | WEL Commons | 8:30 PM |
| Sat., Nov. 6, 2004 | Duke Employee Retirement Show | Von Canon | 7:00 PM |
| Mon., Nov. 8, 2004 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 8:00 PM |
| Mon., Nov. 15, 2004 | Pratt Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 8:00 PM |
| Tues., Nov. 16, 2004 | Aycock/Epworth Dormitories Show | Aycock Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Thurs., Nov. 18, 2004 | East Campus Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 9:00 PM |
| Mon., Nov. 22, 2004 | Pegram Dormitory Show | Pegram Commons | 8:00 PM |
| Tues., Nov. 23, 2004 | Brown Dormitory Show | Brown Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Mon., Nov. 29, 2004 | Crowell Quad Show | Crowell Commons | 7:30 PM |
| Fri., Dec. 3, 2004 | Little Big Show 3: The Ryan Welsh Experience | Sheafer Theater | 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM |
| Sat., Dec. 4, 2004 | BN Duke Scholars Show | Devils Den, Central Campus | 8:00 PM |
| Sun., Jan. 23, 2005 | Career Week Show | Baldwin Auditorium | 4:00 PM |
| Wed., Feb. 16, 2005 | DELISH Show | Griffith Theater | 8:00 PM |
| Thurs., Feb. 24, 2005 | Few Quad Show | Few Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Sat., Feb. 26, 2005 | Moot Court Show | Hilton Hotel, Durham, NC | 7:00 PM |
| Fri., Mar. 4, 2005 | Annual Fund Executive Committee Show | -- | 8:30 PM |
| Thurs., Mar. 31, 2005 | Latino & Black Student Recruitment Show | -- | 9:00 PM |
| Sun., Apr. 3, 2005 | Duke Up Close Show | -- | 8:30 PM |
| Thurs., Apr. 28, 2005 | Big Show 8 | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM |
Big Show 8
Big Show 8 included a record number of 7 videos. These included "24," which DUI opened the show, "Jewmanji," and "Safe Ride to the Moon." Along with classic acts such as Party Quirks, the show also presented thriving first attempts at song and dance in two original musical numbers, "Cats" and "Stapler."
2005-2006
DUI again lost four members coming into the year, this time all graduating seniors. DUI was down to four members at the beginning of the year. But, no fear, at auditions that Fall, DUI admitted four freshmen Alex Berghorst, Brett Aresco, Lawrence Chen, and Andrew Tutt.
DUI continued their run of campus performances. New additions to the show schedule in 2005-2006 included a benefit with other Duke performance groups for Hurricane Katrina relief in Page Auditorium. DUI also teamed with Mike Hall from ESPN to produce content for ESPN's coverage of the Duke vs. UNC basketball game in the Spring. Over Fall Break, DUI visited New York where they performed at a community college.
Big Show 9 was a star studded event held on April 12, 2006 that again helped to raise funds for the Scott Carter Foundation.
2005-2006 DUI Events Calendar
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Aug. 26, 2005 | Freshmen Orientation Show | Baldwin Auditorium | 8:30 PM |
| Tues., Sept. 13, 2005 | Secret Show 6 | Blackwell Archway | 9:00 PM |
| Tues., Sept. 20, 2005 | Hurrican Katrina Relief Show | Page Auditorium | 7:30 PM |
| Thurs., Sept. 22, 2005 | Devils After Dark Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 10:00 PM |
| Sun., Oct. 2, 2005 | Wilson Dormitory Show | Wilson Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Sun., Oct. 16, 2005 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Mon., Oct. 17, 2005 | Brown Dormitory Show | Brown Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Fri., Oct. 21, 2005 | Parents' & Family Weekend Show | Von Canon | 8:00 PM |
| Sun., Oct. 23, 2005 | Alspaugh Dormitory Show | Alspaugh Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Mon., Oct. 24, 2005 | WEL Quad Show | WEL Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Wed., Oct. 26, 2005 | Blackwell Dormitory Show | Blackwell Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Thurs., Nov. 10, 2005 | Edens Quad Show | Edens Commons | 8:00 PM |
| Thurs., Jan. 19, 2006 | Devils After Dark Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 10:00 PM |
| Fri., Jan. 20, 2006 | Bryan Center Blizzard Show | Bryan Center | 8:00 PM |
| Mon., Feb. 6, 2006 | Pegram Dormitory Show | Pegram Commons | 9:00 PM |
| Wed., Feb. 8, 2006 | Froshlife, Emcees | Richard White Lecture Hall | 8:00 PM |
| Sun., Feb. 12, 2006 | Southgate Dormitory Show | Southgate Commons | 10:00 PM |
| Thurs., Feb. 16, 2006 | DELISH Show | Social Psychology Bldg. | 7:30 PM |
| Sat., Feb. 25, 2006 | Moot Court Show | Millenium Hotel, Durham, NC | -- |
| Thurs., Mar. 30, 2006 | Latino Student Recruitment Show | -- | 9:30 PM |
| Sun., Apr. 2, 2006 | Duke Up Close Show | Freeman Center | 8:30 PM |
| Wed., Apr. 12, 2006 | Big Show 9 | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM |
Big Show 9
Big Show 9 included a bevy of campus celebrities. Basketball player Jamal Boykin appeared in the opening video and Lee Melchionni appeared live on stage in a sketch about the origins of the "Lee" chant. Women's basketball player Laura Kurz made a surprise appearance (even to her) in Party Quirks. Dean Sue made her usual appearance in a "Deal or No Deal" parody. Herb Neubauer, Crazy Towel Guy himself, attended the show and came on stage for the "How We Make Funny" sketch. ESPN's Mike Hall was featured in the opening video, "Streetprov." In the crowd, one could spot Duke Basketball players Greg Paulus and Abby Waner.
Videos from Big Show 9 included "Streetprov," "Wikidate," "Lost," and "Lawrence & the Purple Crayon." The show also included a touching tribute to senior Andrew Humphries in which DUI parodied Humphries' e-mail he famously wrote to Mike Krzyzewski in the summer of 2004, convincing him not to take the L.A. Lakers coaching job.
2006-2007
DUI picked up three freshmen at auditions in the fall: Tom Blemaster, David Distenfeld, and Scott Peppel.
DUI saw a change in venue for many of its performances this year. Rather than in Baldwin Auditorium, DUI's Freshmen Orientation Show was moved to Reynolds Theater to be near the newly built Plaza on West Campus. The Parents' Weekend Show finally was moved out of the stiflingly crowded 343 seat Von Canon rooms to the somewhat stiflingly crowded 1200 seat Page Auditorium. Over Fall Break, DUI traveled to Vero Beach where they performed for young and old, literally at a local high school and a retirement home.
Big Show 10, as always, was still in Page Auditorium where hundreds of students came to watch in part due to the popular "Last Supper" Big Show 10 poster that proclaimed, "Big Show 10: We guarantee it's funnier than finding out you're gonna betray Jesus."
| Date | Event | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Aug. 26, 2006 | Freshmen Orientation Show | Reynolds Theater, Bryan Center | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Sun., Aug. 27, 2006 | A Cappella Jam, Emcees | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Thurs., Aug. 31, 2006 | Devils After Dark Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 10:00 PM | Free |
| Tues., Sept. 26, 2006 | Secret Show 9 | Blackwell Archway | 9:00 PM | Free |
| Thurs., Sept. 28, 2006 | Pegram Dormitory Show | Pegram Commons | 9:00 PM | Free |
| Wed., Oct. 4, 2006 | Giles & Wilson Dormitories Show | Giles Commons | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Sat., Oct. 7, 2006 | Old Folks Home Fall Break Show | Vero Beach, FL | 6:45 PM | Free |
| Tues., Oct. 10, 2006 | High School Fall Break Show | Vero Beach, FL | 10:30 AM | Free |
| Sun., Oct. 15, 2006 | Alspaugh Dormitory Show | Alspaugh Commons | 9:00 PM | Free |
| Fri., Oct. 27, 2006 | Parents' & Family Weekend Show | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM | $5 |
| Thurs., Nov. 2, 2006 | Basset Dormitory/Devils After Dark Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 10:00 PM | Free |
| Thurs., Nov. 30, 2006 | Randolph Dormitory Show | Randolph Commons | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Sun., Dec. 3, 2006 | Edens Quad Show | Edens 1A Commons | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Wed., Jan. 31, 2007 | Bassett Dormitory Show | Bassett Commons | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Sat., Feb. 10, 2007 | Devils After Dark Show | Gilbert-Addoms Down Under | 10:00 PM | Free |
| Sun., Feb. 11, 2007 | Froshlife, Emcees | Richard White Lecture Hall | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Thurs., Feb. 22, 2007 | On Tap Spring Show | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Sun., Mar. 4, 2007 | Southgate Dormitory Show | Southgate Commons | 10:00 PM | Free |
| Wed., Mar. 7, 2007 | Gilbert-Addoms Dormitory Show | Gilbert-Addoms Commons | 9:00 PM | Free |
| Tues., Mar. 20, 2007 | Belltower Dormitory Show | Belltower Commons | 9:00 PM | Free |
| Wed., Mar. 21, 2007 | Plaza Show | Plaza | 12:00 PM | Free |
| Fri., Mar. 23, 2007 | Mystery Science Theatre 3000, Lady in the Water | Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center | Midnight | Free |
| Sat., Mar. 24, 2007 | Lady Blue Show, Emcees | Richard White Lecture Hall | 3:00 PM | Free |
| Sun., Mar. 25, 2007 | Edens Quad Show | Edens 1A Commons | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Thurs., Mar. 29, 2007 | Latino Student Recruitment Show | French Family Science Center Lecture Hall | 8:15 PM | Free |
| Thurs., Mar. 29, 2007 | Randolph Dormitory/Devils After Dark Show | Randolph Commons | 10:30 PM | Free |
| Fri., Apr. 6, 2007 | Big Show 10 | Page Auditorium | 8:00 PM | $7 |
| Tues., Apr. 10, 2007 | Duke Up Close Recruitment Show | Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center | 8:00 PM | Free |
| Wed., Apr. 11, 2007 | Duke Employees' Children Improv Clinic | Multi-Cultural Center, Bryan Center | 1:10 PM - 2:30 PM | N/A |
| Thurs., Apr. 12, 2007 | Wake Forest University Show | The Werehouse, Winston-Salem, NC | 10:00 PM | Free |
| Wed., Apr. 15, 2007 | OUSF Recruitment Show | Richard White Lecture Hall | 10:00 PM | Free |
Big Show 10
Leading up to Big Show 10, DUI posters across campus built excitement for the show. The popular posters included the "Last Supper" poster that proclaimed, "Big Show 10: We guarantee it's funnier than finding out you're gonna betray Jesus," as well as flyers of famous DUI offenders' mug shots in support of DUI.
Big Show 10 opened with the video parody, "4 Fast, 4 Furious," which featured some of the best filming, cinematography, and editing in DUI history. Playing off of campus sentiment over the mishandling of the Duke Lacrosse case by D.A. Mike Nifong, Big Show 10 included homages to the case in "4 Fast, 4 Furious," "Johnny Ohten," and "Nifong Press Conference," as well as a song parody set to Don McLean's "American Pie" about the lacrosse case.
Campus celebrities featured in the show included Jon Scheyer, Brian Zoubek, President Brodhead, Dean Sue (who appeared live on stage leading a stripperobics class), and Larry Moneta. Videos included "Jon Scheyer in 75 Seconds," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Brain on Drugs."
