Feb. 18, 2010

Varieties

Iowa State's annual student talent show, Varieties Sweepstakes, takes the stage Friday, Feb. 19, with two performances (6 and 9 p.m.) and one show Saturday, Feb. 20 (8 p.m.). All shows are in the Memorial Union's Great Hall. Attendees will enjoy three original skits, like "Chaos in Candyland," pictured here. Each show also features five shorter mini-acts. An awards ceremony follows Saturday's performance.Submitted photo.

Varieties Sweepstakes highlight student talent

by Paula Van Brocklin

ISU students will showcase their talents Friday, Feb. 19, and Saturday, Feb. 20, during the annual Varieties Sweepstakes.

This year's theme, "Living the Lyrics," will be highlighted in two Friday performances at 6 and 9 p.m., and one on Saturday at 8 p.m. All shows are in the Memorial Union's Great Hall.

Each sweepstakes show will feature the same performances, including three 20-minute musicals or skits, performed with original lyrics and choreography. Five shorter vignettes, or mini-acts, also will be interspersed throughout. Saturday's show will conclude with an awards ceremony. The top three performances, judged by local theater people and ISU faculty, will receive a first-, second- or third-place trophy. Plaques for outstanding performances also will be awarded.

The sweepstakes feature the best of about 450 students who originally auditioned for Varieties over the past several weeks.

General admission tickets, available at the MU Maintenance Shop, are $10 ($8 for students) and increase $1 on show day.