Broward Center Hosts Interactive 'Batsu' Comedy Show

New improv comedy experience fuses Japanese game show elements with punishments for comedians who fail challenges.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale is hosting a new interactive comedy show called 'Batsu' that blends elements of Japanese game shows and improv comedy. Four comedians take the stage and face punishments like paintball shots to the stomach if they fail challenges, with a geisha on roller-skates named Miu Soda delivering the penalties. Audience members can enjoy sushi and sake while watching the chaotic and high-stakes comedy unfold, and even volunteer to join the comedians on stage.

Why it matters

The 'Batsu' show represents an innovative approach to live comedy, fusing traditional Japanese game show elements with improvisational comedy to create a unique and high-energy entertainment experience. As stand-up comedy continues to evolve, shows like 'Batsu' demonstrate how performers are finding new ways to engage audiences and push the boundaries of the art form.

The details

In the 'Batsu' show, four comedians take the stage and must complete various challenges. If they fail a challenge, they face punishments delivered by Miu Soda, a geisha on roller-skates wielding a 'paper smasher' fan. The show is based on the Japanese comedy form of 'batsu-gim', where performers are penalized for mistakes. Audience members can purchase sushi, sake, and other refreshments to enjoy while watching the mayhem, and can even sign waivers to join the comedians on stage.

  • The 'Batsu' show will run at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts from February 18-22, 2026.

The players

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

A major performing arts venue located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that is hosting the 'Batsu' comedy show.

Miu Soda

A geisha on roller-skates who delivers punishments to the comedians in the 'Batsu' show, including using a 'paper smasher' fan.

Brian Walters

A comedian and co-creator of the 'Batsu' show, which is based on the Japanese comedy form of 'batsu-gim'.

Keith Hinson

The marketing manager for the Broward Center who helped bring the innovative 'Batsu' show to the venue.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to try to find something that was a little off-brand, and we stumbled upon Batsu.”

— Keith Hinson, Marketing Manager (wsvn.com)

“So Batsu means punishment or penalty in Japanese. It's based off of the Japanese comedy form of batsu-gim, where performers or comedians, they get punished if they fail a challenge.”

— Brian Walters, Comedian and Co-Creator of Batsu (wsvn.com)

“Her favorite one is probably this one here, the paper smasher, the Harisan.”

— Miu Soda (wsvn.com)

“She says it looked really fun, so she wanted to be a part of it.”

— Miu Soda (wsvn.com)

“Come in with an open mind. Be ready to enjoy some sake and some sushi, and strap in because you're going to be in for a wild ride.”

— Brian Walters, Comedian and Co-Creator of Batsu (wsvn.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Batsu' show at the Broward Center are on sale now for the February 18-22, 2026 run.

The takeaway

The 'Batsu' show at the Broward Center represents an innovative and high-energy approach to live comedy, blending Japanese game show elements with improvisational humor to create a unique entertainment experience that challenges both performers and audience members.