The Bix: Where Music Meets Comedy
You just need to be willing to go for it. The music heightens the comedy.”
Nick Hollenbeck
Senior and Member of The Bix
Comedy RSO improvises whole musicals using just their quick wit, talent, and teamwork.
By blending music with spontaneous comedy, The Bix registered student organization performs entirely improvised musicals, complete with characters, songs, and an audience provided plot. With only their talent and impeccable teamwork, this group brings laughter to life one song and scene at a time, creating a theatre experience unlike any other at Northwestern.
Founded more than 10 years ago, The Bix is composed of around a dozen, tight-knit members. Their approach to improv is both playful and strategic. While spontaneity is part of what makes their performances enjoyable, according Emma Nelsen, a third year in the School of Communications and director of The Bix, members spend a significant amount of time rehearsing. But they aren’t running lines.
“A lot of our teamwork comes from rehearsing structured games,” Nelson said. “It’s about learning each other’s comedic styles and building off of that during performances.”
With practice, on-stage interactions can flow seamlessly with each member able to read each other's cues and respond naturally in performance. 
The group’s rehearsals also provide space to develop musical chops, which is not a prerequisite to be in the group.
“You don’t need to be a Broadway-level singer,” said Nick Hollenbeck, a fourth year in the School of Communications and member of The Bix. “You just need to be willing to go for it. The music heightens the comedy. You find the bit of the scene first and then add music to make it funnier.”
In this way, he said, “the narrative drives the music.”
One of the ways The Bix practices improvising songs is through their “circle song” exercise, where members spontaneously create a song together. Cassius Cole, a fourth year in the School of Communications and member of The Bix, said one of his favorite moments in the group involved this exercise.
“We were jamming out to this chorus called ‘The Corn Cob Jamboree,’ and we were really into it,” Cole said. “Then a professor came in and asked us to quiet down because there was a class next door. It was both embarrassing and hilarious!”
When it comes time for their shows, The Bix roots its performances in audience interaction. The group regularly takes suggestions from the crowd, incorporating them into their sketches and songs.
“A lot of what we do comes from the audience,” Nelsen said. "Sometimes we’ll do a format where the audience gives us song titles, and those become the tracks for the show. We call it ‘Juke Bix.’”
By using the audience in this way, The Bix guarantees that each performance is new and unpredictable, keeping both the performers and the crowd on their toes.
This past Saturday, The Bix delighted an audience with their annual fall show. The performance was filled with unexpected twists and memorable moments, and showcased the group’s newest members, affectionately known as “Bixie Chickens,” for the first time. For those who missed it, this show was a perfect example of what makes The Bix so unique to Northwestern’s comedy scene.
Looking ahead, The Bix has its signature fully improvised musical coming up spring quarter. Whether you’re a longtime fan of improv or a curious newcomer, their upcoming performances are sure to be a hit. With their unique take on comedy, supportive and collaborative atmosphere, and blend of quick wit and talent, this group continues to be a cornerstone of Northwestern’s comedy scene.
“It’s just fun to see someone burst into song,” said Cole.
For more information on The Bix and their upcoming shows, follow them on Instagram or check out