Newman's Sloppy Joe Improv team is ready to make you laugh

Newman University’s Sloppy Joe Improv team is gearing up for one of its most ambitious seasons yet — and they want guests there for all of it.

The improv comedy group has eight performances to enjoy during the 2026–27 academic year, with shows ranging from family-friendly sets to late-night After Dark performances, a homecoming weekend appearance and a senior send-off to close out the year.

This year’s team members are:

Deqlan Mitchell – senior, co-captain of the Sloppy Joes and a sports media and promotion major
Maxwell Masem – senior, co-captain of the Sloppy Joes and a biology major with a concentration in pre-medicine
Melissa Arguijo – senior nursing major
Joseph Kiley – junior Pathmaker student
Luke Jones – junior art student
Gwynevere Sutton – sophomore computer science major
Jessica Carroll – first-year secondary education major with minors in speech and theater

“We have been trying to push our boundaries and get creative with our performances,” Mitchell said.

All shows are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Locations are subject to change.

Mitchell (center) performs alongside fellow Sloppy Joe team members.

Members of the Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe perform a medieval-themed show.

Mark your calendar

The 2026–27 Sloppy Joe Improv schedule is as follows:

Friday, Sept. 25 — 7 p.m., Jabara Flexible Theatre
Saturday, Oct. 10 — Homecoming Weekend, Founder’s Plaza (following the 1 p.m. volleyball game, weather permitting)
Monday, Oct. 19 — 10 p.m., Jabara Flexible Theatre (After Dark show rated R for ages 18+)
Friday, Nov. 13 — 10 p.m., Jabara Flexible Theatre (After Dark show rated R for ages 18+)
Friday, Feb. 12 — 10 p.m., Jabara Flexible Theatre (After Dark show rated R for ages 18+)
Friday, March 26 — 7 p.m., Jabara Flexible Theatre
Friday, April 16 — 7 p.m., Jabara Flexible Theatre
Friday, May 7 — 10 p.m., senior sendoff show on Founder’s Plaza, weather permitting (After Dark show rated R for ages 18+)