Laughter has a magical way of bringing people together and it is laughter that has made the Brew Off and Roast one of TRU’s longest-running student events.

Two activities rolled into one—an informal contest of homemade beers and wines and a friendly hurling of insults at each other—it is organized by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club (CBC) and primarily attracts students, staff and faculty from the Faculty of Science.

The roast is hands-down the more popular of the two and everyone is fair game. Jabs are thrown as one-liners, stories, comedy sketches, videos and whatever else people can dream up. Fittingly held on Apr. 1 this year, 145 tickets were sold for the 17th annual event.

“I think it’s been so popular because the roast breaks down the barriers between faculty and students,” said Matt Miller, CBC president. “It’s a great way to get everyone out of the classroom and talking to each other. Everyone seems to have a good time every year, and everyone tells each other how good a time it was. I think it’s that legacy of having a good time that carries it on through the years.”

Some of the performances make it to YouTube and other sharing sites.

What about crossing lines and maybe saying something inappropriate?

“We’re not sure what the line is and they haven’t told us we’ve crossed it yet,” said Miller. “Students like being able to roast the faculty and it’s great because they roast you back. It’s a fun, funny way for everyone to interact and have a laugh doing it.”