From Trent University to Second City

Screenwriter and comedian Joel Buxton ’00 returns to his alma mater to lead comedic workshop and open mic

November 10, 2023

Although Joel Buxton ’00 (Champlain College) attended Trent University with plans to become a high school teacher, he enjoyed many creative and arts-based experiences that eventually launched his successful career as a screenwriter and stand-up comedian.  

Buxton, who teaches stand-up at Second City and has written for This Hour has 22 Minutes, Inspector Gadget, and Open Season, looks back fondly on his transformative time at Trent when he co-founded an improv troupe, performed radio dramas on Trent Radio, worked at the student-run Absynthe Magazine, and enjoyed a wide variety of interesting courses such as an English class in dystopian literature that ‘lit up’ his soul. 

“Trent was this amazing experience where if you wanted to do something unique, your profs and fellow students said, ‘Let’s make this happen!’” he says. “Although I finished my concurrent Education program and became a high school teacher after graduation, this kind of creative background was foundational for my career as an artist.” 

Buxton recently provided current students and alumni with new creative outlets by leading a comedy workshop at Traill College and a stand-up open mic at The Pig’s Ear. 

“It’s a real honour to be back at Trent and offer these fun new opportunities,” says Buxton whose mother Marilyn (nee Whitaker) Buxton ’71 also attended Trent. 

During his time as a student, Buxton enjoyed working with Trent Radio by hosting shows such as Show Me the Funny and Quit Bugging Me, while also performing radio dramas of comic books. When working with Absynthe Magazine, he drew cartoons for the alternative arts-based publication and served as its production manager.  

He says the best part about his Trent Experience, though, was the friendly, welcoming, and close-knit community and professors who were passionate about their fields of study and genuinely cared about his studies and wellbeing. He recalls professors taking the time after classes to discuss new ideas or better explain concepts. Now a busy professional himself, he says he understands that this kind of attention to students’ needs requires devotion.  

He hopes to return to Trent in coming years to lead future workshops, possibly for script writing, sketch comedy, or improv. 

"This is a beautiful campus and I have so many incredible warm memories here,” he says. “Being at Trent is kind of like coming home.” 

There are many ways to stay connected and involved with Trent after graduation whether that’s by hosting or attending workshops, mentoring students and recent grads, or joining an alumni chapter in your area. Find out more about getting involved.