The masterminds behind Penn State's humor magazine, Phroth, and members of No Refund Theatre (NRT) have joined forces for NRT's first show of the spring season, the sketch comedy extravaganza Phroth Fest.

Dan Hopper (sophomore-theatre arts) co-directs the performance and finds the show fitting to open up the new season.

"NRT prides itself on doing different types of theater," he said.

"And it's certainly different, not your typical NRT show."

Hopper, along with co-director Matthew Byrd (senior-political science) and Matt Little (senior-journalism) wrote the sketches that NRT members will perform at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in 111 Forum.

The three writers are excited for the show because they are sketch comedy aficionados.

"All of my notebooks are littered with skit ideas," Hopper said.

"Writing this entire script was not hard work."

Byrd echoed his sentiments.

"Who was better to write a sketch comedy show than sketch comedy dorks?" he said.

Hopper said his favorite sketch comedy show was 1995's Mr. Show with Bob and David, which inspired his love of the genre.

"It was just brilliant, the smartest, cleverest thing you'll ever see on TV," he said. "Anybody who's seen that will see the influence in this show."

Little is both the head of Phroth and the editor in chief, and he is also the last of the original members who restarted the organization in 1999.

He said the humor magazine actually dates back to 1909, but due to complications it was shut down and restarted several times since then.

Phroth typically publishes once a semester and is known for its unique blend of satire and parody.

Hopper said the show is unlike what is found in the magazine in that it is more of a sketch-comedy show comprised of 21 skits that address everything from Graham Spanier to Joe Paterno to Klingons. Many of the sketches focus on the typical college experience, including drinking and parties.

Hopper said the process of putting the show together was enjoyable and easy, and he hopes the fun he, Byrd and Little had writing it creates a better experience for the audience.

"This show's going to be awesome," he said.