The semester is winding down and while most students are avoiding extra tasks that may consume valuable time, one group of students is voluntarily readying themselves to entertain their peers and each other. Student Performing Artist’s or SPA, is hosting a cabaret during finals week.
Mirroring the style of a talent show, the cabaret offers students the opportunity to perform something fun in a low-key environment. Courtney Elliot, co-chair of SPA and co-host of this year’s cabaret, said there will most likely be a hodge-podge of performances including singing, dancing, and potentially improv with audience participation.
“The overwhelming theme has always been make ’em laugh,” said Kellsy Mackilligan, senior theater major. Mackilligan, though not performing this year, has participated in the cabaret in past years, describing the atmosphere as a free-for-all. Some sing, others perform comic skits of Christmas stories, while others just act plain goofy. Mackilligan recalls one year when she choreographed a dance to the theme song of the popular box office smash “Austin Powers.”
“This is an opportunity for us to make fools of ourselves and each other,” said Mackilligan. Traditionally, the majority of the show is made up of theater majors who have finished up with their more serious main stage performances and just want to cut loose.
“It is seldom that students outside of the theater department perform in the cabaret,” said Mackilligan.
With organizers maintaining a bare minimum mentality, the only significant cost of the show is in providing accompaniment for those who are inclined to perform musically. Mr. Garfield, the parent of a theater major studying in England for the semester, will join the cabaret, as the pianist, as he’s done in the past
Though there is minimal organization and usually a bare stage, SPA members are content to accrue a few good laughs. SPA cabaret is an anything goes kind of night.
“It’s our one chance each year to do what we love without any restrictions,” said Mackilligan.
SPA Cabaret will be held at Russell Main Stage on December 18 at 7p.m. Admission is $1.