“Saturday Night Live” comedian Andy Samberg, who gained fame for his original “SNL Digital Shorts,” will speak with Northwestern students April 15 at 8 p.m. in Ryan Family Auditorium. NU’s Fiedler Hillel Center will host the event.
Samberg, currently in his third season as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” also starred as the lead in the 2007 film “Hot Rod.”
Some of Samberg’s videos include “Dick in a Box,” a short video with Justin Timberlake that was honored with a Creative Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, and “Lazy Sunday, ” a video of the Narnia rap created in collaboration with “SNL” alumnus Chris Parnell.
“I think he’s relevant, young and a comedic star,” said SESP sophomore Scott Topal, president of Hillel’s Leadership Council. “He’s a great experience for students on campus and a unique opportunity (for Hillel).”
Rather than performing a stand-up act, Samberg will answer student questions.
Communication junior Shauna Perlman, a member of Hillel’s Leadership Council, will lead the discussion. Hillel’s leadership council agreed a student moderator would “create a better atmosphere,” Perlman said.
“It’ll be interesting to ask questions that students want to hear as opposed to before with a general forum of questions,” she said.
The council will come up with questions as a board together this week, and students can ask additional questions at the event, Perlman said.
Samberg was one of Hillel’s top choices, and the organization made an offer a couple of months ago, Topal said. The deal was finalized over Spring Break.
Hillel could afford the high-profile bookings because Associated Student Government has increased funding for Hillel events over the past few years, he said.
“The Student Activities (Finance) Board bases (the amount of funding it gives) on success, and as we put on successful events, we’ve been given more money,” Topal said. “The success in many ways is built on itself.”
Despite Samberg’s often-risqué sense of humor, like the “Dick in a Box” video, Topal said there have been no complaints from Hillel staff members or anyone else regarding Samberg’s comedy.
The organization wouldn’t bring someone who couldn’t engage college students in the best way possible, said Andrea Jacobs, Hillel’s Doppelt director of engagement.
“The point of this is for students to have a good time,” she said. “If Andy Samberg is who’s hot right now, then we’re going to bring him.”
Tickets cost $5 and will go on sale Monday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Norris University Center Box Office. Students will be limited to two tickets per WildCARD.
