CULTURE
Sketched Out improv hosts first Alumni Show
By Layla Norris | March 13, 2026On Saturday, Feb. 28, the laughter and shouts from Pearson 128 could be heard throughout the building.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, the laughter and shouts from Pearson 128 could be heard throughout the building.
For a show whose premise lies in making people smile, the latest news about the show “Smiling Friends” is making fans anything but cheerful.The show premiered its first episode, “Desmond’s Big Day,” on April 1, 2020, as a part of Cartoon Network’s nighttime programming block Adult Swim. The complete first season aired on Jan. 10, 2022, despite plans having been made for a weekly release.Almost immediately, it became clear that viewers loved it, gravitating towards its smart humor, witty jokes and lovable characters — characters who genuinely seemed to care for and play well off of each other. Unfortunately, this high did not last long.
Mitski began her music career at Purchase College’s Conservatory of Music. She recorded her first two albums there: “Lush” (2012) and “Retired from Sad, New Career in Business” (2013). These began as piano-based student projects that she self-published on Bandcamp (an online platform and store for independent musicians to sell their music and merchandise) before signing with record label Double Double Whammy for her third studio album, “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” (2014).
I will preface this with an admission that the majority of my prior Bruno Mars listening time comes from the radio in Target and my mom’s dinner-cooking playlist.I didn’t even realize the drought that his fans have been in waiting for new music.
From student performers to big names like Billy Joel and Seth Meyers, Miami University has been home to a vast variety of performers over the years. Performers from all genres — comedy, music, theater and more — have filled different venues on campus, providing entertainment to students, faculty and community members for over a century.
When The Miami Student published its first edition as The Literary Focus in 1827, it only included three things: literature, poetry and philosophical thought. Now, 200 years later, The Student has sections covering everything from sports and opinion to culture and environmental news. What The Student calls the Culture section today has undergone many iterations since it’s first appearance 47 years ago.
From the first print issue of The Miami Student 200 years ago to today’s ever-accelerating technology-driven landscape, the media has consistently demanded our attention. To explain its full evolution would require a substantial encyclopedia — thousands of pages cataloging inventions, platforms and formats now taken for granted. Yet to understand the media, it isn’t necessary to recount its entire history. At its core, media reflects a persistent human impulse: the need to create, to record and to communicate.
February is Black History Month. It’s always important to highlight movies, music, books and art that celebrate black culture and heritage. With the Academy Awards season also rapidly approaching, there is a standout film that sits at the intersection: Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.”
As Valentine’s Day is upon us, and couples start showing up on everyone’s Instagram feed, the idea of love begins circling around everyone’s minds. Many people, including myself, like to celebrate with anything romantic — hearts, chocolate, flowers and, most importantly, a good romance novel.So, here are six of my favorite romance novels from over the years.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, The Miami Student Culture staff decided to share our favorite ships—or romantic pairings—from different media.
As soon as the Muppets announced their comeback show, “The Muppet Show,” I received at least 10 messages from family and friends. I’ve been an above casual Muppet enjoyer for a majority of my life, much to the dismay of my puppet-fearing younger brother.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start your annual romcom binge. However, if you’re anything like me, you’re a little sick of the typical romance films with little to no plot. Sure, they’re classics for a reason, but how many times have you seen them by now?Instead of pressing replay on “When Harry Met Sally” or “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” why don’t you check out some of these unconventional romance movies to change things up a bit?
If, like me, you get a spontaneous burst of energy following the New Year that inspires you to reorganize your entire bookshelf and set an impossibly large reading goal for yourself, congratulations! You’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of my favorite reads from break to help get your reading goals off to a strong start.
Searows, otherwise known as Alec Duckart, recently released the album “Death in the Business of Whaling” on Jan. 23.Searows’ has an intimate and folk-style of music. His music is melancholic while still carrying a soothing ability. Searows is the type of musician you listen to during times of high-stress for relatability and comfort. His music is perfect for late nights.
Usually, I like to look into a movie before I buy a ticket for it. At the very least, I like to read the synopsis, check the cast for any recognizable names and maybe see what the general audience reviews are before I commit to a two or more hour endeavor.Every once in a while, however, I’ll go to a movie with zero research or expectations going in.
This spring, Oxford will be home to a variety of live performances, featuring music, theater and more. For more information on these events, visit the Oxford Community Calendar or the Miami University Events Calendar.
As many people in my life may know, I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Netflix’s latest romcom, “People We Meet On Vacation,” which is based on the Emily Henry novel of the same name.I had been talking about it constantly, so when the movie came out on Jan. 9, I sat down with my boyfriend and pressed play — and it is safe to say I was not disappointed.
Crafting and “analog hobbies” are making a comeback this year, with related topics trending online, according to a story from the TODAY show. This crafting trend has been visible at Miami University as well, with students spending more time doing artistic activities with friends, and clubs forming around those pastimes.
Around this same time last year, The Miami Student’s Culture Editor Stella Powers and former Culture Editor Chloe Southard shared who they would like to see win in select categories at the Grammys. So, with the 2026 Grammy Awards show being hosted on Feb. 1, I thought it would be only fitting that I, the latest assistant Culture editor, also share my opinions on the best music of 2025.
As an avid fan of the Avatar franchise, Dec. 19, the release date of “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” has been on my calendar for over a year. After seeing the second movie — “Avatar: The Way of Water” — in theaters two years ago and leaving the three hour screening with extreme Post-Avatar Depression Syndrome, I was hungry for more.