Inside Iowa State

Inside Archives

Submit news

Send news for Inside to inside@iastate.edu, or call (515) 294-7065. See publication dates, deadlines.

About Inside

Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

Feb. 1, 2008

February brings three weekends of student Varieties

by Paula Van Brocklin

The 77-year-old Iowa State tradition of Varieties, a student-run production showcasing the talents of ISU students, is gearing up for its 2008 performances.

"Dreaming Out Loud" begins with semifinal rounds at 6 and 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, and Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Each show will feature 20-minute musical skits, short vignettes and emcees. Performances on Feb. 2 will be different from the performances on Feb. 9.

Following the last semifinal performance, judges from the Iowa State and Ames communities will choose three skits, three vignettes and one emcee to perform in Sweepstakes, Friday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 23, at 6 and 9 p.m., also in the Great Hall. Following the final Saturday Sweepstakes performance, judges will name first-, second- and third-place finishes for the vignettes, and award a trophy to the best skit.

All performances are original creations, written and performed by students. Alayna Marks, a senior studying animal science and producer of this year's show, said students from multiple fields of study and backgrounds are participating.

"This show definitely showcases the talents of a number of students at Iowa State," Marks said.

Katherine Richter, a graduate student in educational leadership and policy studies and Varieties 2008 adviser, is impressed with the students' abilities.

"I think it's incredible," Richter said of the skits. "Everything from the acting, to the costumes, to the dancing. It's a full performance in 20 minutes."

Tickets for the semifinal performances are $8 ($6 for students); Sweepstakes tickets are $10 ($8 for students). Ticket prices increase $1 the day of the performance. Call 4-8349 to purchase tickets.

Quote

"It's a full performance in 20 minutes."

Katherine Richter