New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Humor is one way to cope with this lockdown at home. NYU’s comedy groups Free Beer and Hammerkatz discuss changes to their content and methods of distribution since the pandemic. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

How NYU’s Comedy Scene is Finding Ways to Laugh

NYU sketch groups “Free Beer” and “Hammerkatz” discuss their future plans and the role of humor in a time of global crisis.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer April 21, 2020

They say laughter is the best medicine, and lately it seems like everyone has gotten the memo. People all over the world are turning to social media platforms to share all types...

(Courtesy of John Hollands)

NYU Sketch Comedy Group Joins New York Comedy Festival

Please Don't Destroy kills cows and you with laughter.
Fareid El Gafy, Contributing Writer November 7, 2018
Please Don’t Destroy, made up of three current NYU students and three alumni, is set to perform as a part of a week-long comedy blowout.
(photographs by Katie Peurrung)

Hammerkatz

Sketches, Not Skits!
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 11, 2018

An extravagant businessman walks into a classroom to meet with his son’s elementary school teacher. The father is horrified to find out that his son has been flinging poop at...

Students audition for improv groups, thown into a scene on the spot to test their creativity.

NYU’s Improv Teams Search for New Performers

Jenny Levine, Contributing Writer September 12, 2016
Looking to perform comedy on campus? There are several improv, standup and sketch comedy groups that are holding auditions in September!
Stressbusters volunteer, Catherine Kim, offers free back rubs at Take a Break Tuesday in the Kimmel Center for University Life on Nov. 24, 2015.

5 ways to beat stress this semester

Abigail Weinberg, Staff Writer November 30, 2015
Here are some free and easy ways to relieve stress on campus and around the city.
Hammerkatz, an NYU sketch comedy group and longform improv troupe, is teaming up with Dangerbox on Nov. 14 to put on a show free of charge.

This Weekend: November 13-15

Patrick Pauley, Staff Writer November 9, 2015
Top things to do this weekend.
 Jack Quaid, an alumnus of the Experimental Theatre Workshop of the Tisch School of the Arts, spoke with WSN about his role in the upcoming HBO show “Vinyl” and his experience working in both New York and L.A.

Hammerkatz alum Jack Quaid on his short film, new HBO show

Tony Schwab, Staff Writer October 19, 2015
NYU alum Jack Quaid makes his directorial debut at the New York City Independent Film Festival with "After Lilly." WSN spoke with Quaid about his time as a comedian Hammerkatz, his upcoming role on HBO's "VInyl" and N.Y. vs. L.A.

Meta-play ‘Play’ proves improv is not just for comedy

Zach Martin, FIlm Editor October 7, 2015
NYU students Jason Boxer and Duncan Gregory perform their play "Play" exclusively in darkened theaters.
Hammerkatz performed their first fall show in Kimmel on Saturday, September 26th.

Politics, space sex at Hammerkatz fall recital

Erica Sabel, Contributing writer September 28, 2015
NYU's esteemed comedy troupe Hammerkatz returns with their most hilarious in their first recital of the season.
NYU comedy troupe performs at MoMA’s Pop Rally event.

Hammerkatz, Dangerbox alums improv their way to MoMA

Ryan Matera, Contributing writer September 14, 2015
Graduated from NYU comedy groups Hammerkatz and Dangerbox, Gentlemen Party shows off comedic chops with an artistic flair at MoMA's Gilbert & George exhibit.
Comedy club, many of which can be found in the nearby West Village, are a common non-alcoholic  night out activity. (Photo by Shawn Paik)

New York keeps NYU laughing with local, student comedy

Julia Krom, Contributing Writer September 2, 2014
As the funniest city in the world, New York offers many opportunities to see live comedy of all kinds.