Alex Delo (center) chugging milk, with the support of his castmates, during a sketch. BARBARA VASQUEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
Nicholas Melendez &Ariana Cariddo, Staff Writers
Manhattan University (MU) students gathered in Hayden Hall on Sept. 11 and 12 for performances by the recently funded student-run comedy group Constant Dopamine, marking the group’s first shows of the semester.
Constant Dopamine formed in the spring 2026 semester when Colby Hicks, a junior political science and communications double major, set out to bring his love of late-night comedy sketches to the campus community. Since its founding, the group has focused on writing original jokes and sketches, then performing them live in an effort to bring humor and levity to the campus community.
The Quadrangle spoke with Hicks before the group’s first run-through of the week, gaining insight into the process behind putting together a show. To keep performances running smoothly, members rehearse on Wednesdays and Thursdays leading up to each show. The final product is a blend of each performer’s individual take on a given bit or joke, pieced together into something that feels both cohesive and original.
“A lot of our shows are kind of rehearsed on their own, independently,” Hicks said. “I’ll rehearse the monologue in the shower or in bed as I’m lying at night.”
Beyond scripted material, Constant Dopamine also incorporates improvisational techniques into select scenes, allowing performers to lean into their comedic instincts and giving the show a more natural, spontaneous feel throughout.
For Hicks, the group represents a vision he had held onto for some time before finally bringing it to life. With four successful shows now behind them, he said watching the turnout and support has meant a great deal to him personally.
“I was pretty proud and impressed by just the amount of people that came to the show,” Hicks said. “The effort that I get from all these people is incredible.”
While no dates have been set for future performances, Hicks said the group intends to keep building its presence beyond the stage. Members plan to continue posting skits on YouTube as well as Instagram and are also looking ahead to filming content in collaboration with Manhattan Media Network (MMN) in the near future.
At its core, the event is designed to bring students together in a shared space to unwind and laugh. Audience members were encouraged to interact with performers throughout the show, even given props and being called to come on stage, and the energy in the room reflected a crowd eager for a good laugh after a long week of classes.
Grace Coutu, a senior childhood education major, attended a Constant Dopamine performance last semester and said she has been looking forward to another one ever since. She encouraged students to keep an eye out for the group’s flyers posted around campus advertising future shows.
“If I had to describe the show, I would say it’s like if Players and Scatterbomb had a baby,” Coutu said. “It’s kind of like an improv show, [but] scripted. Like live SNL.”
Alexander Katkin, a MU student who attended the event, commented on the group’s shows and how they consistently deliver an engaging experience for audiences. He was initially enticed by the literal meaning of the group’s name.
“It’s a comedy show that’s named Constant Dopamine, so [I thought] dopamine is pretty good, and the constant supply of it sounds pretty helpful,” Katkin said.
Students interested in following Constant Dopamine’s upcoming shows and skits can find the group on Instagram at @constant_dopamine. To find full-length sketches and past recordings from their live shows, check out their YouTube @ConstantDopamine.