Baylor Talent Show To Benefit Waco ISD Fine Arts
- 'After Dark at the Hippodrome' will kick off month-long musical instrument drive -
by Lori Fogleman (254) 710-6275
Some of Baylor University's most gifted students will showcase their considerable musical and improvisational talents this month in "After Dark at the Hippodrome," an entertaining variety revue that also will raise funds to benefit students in Waco ISD's performing arts program.
Hosted by the Guerrilla Comedy Troupe, the special performance of "After Dark" will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Waco Hippodrome, located at 724 Austin Ave. All Baylor students are donating their performances, and proceeds from the show will be used to purchase instruments for Waco ISD children who want to be involved in music but simply do not have the funds to do so.
"To a large degree, After Dark features students who have a passion for the performing arts. Most of these students started performing in grade school and high school by being a part of a band or orchestra program," said Michael Riemer, Baylor's director of special performances. "Taking 'After Dark' to Waco is an opportunity for Baylor and its students to meet a need in our community and give back to a city which has given so much to us."
Riemer said the school district has experienced a rise in the number of students interested in band and orchestra programs. However, he said there is an overwhelming need for instruments for students. Over the summer,
Baylor's department of student activities and Waco ISD began discussions about taking After Dark, one of the university's popular musical traditions, into the community in an effort to raise funds for WISD performing arts.
"The only way some of these students will ever be able to participate in band and orchestra programs is if someone purchases an instrument for them, and this is where it is obvious we can help," Riemer said.
An all-university variety show held each year during Parent's Weekend, After Dark is a showcase for Baylor's creative students through music, dance, comedy and theater. The After Dark performance also will serve as the kickoff for a city-wide musical instrument drive during October. All donated instruments will be given to the WISD Fine Arts program.
Riemer said that the performers in After Dark will most likely never meet the students who will benefit from this event, but it is an opportunity for Baylor students to make an impact on the lives of students in the community who have the same passion for music, performing and the arts as they do.
Tickets are $10, $12 and $14 and are on sale at the Bill Daniel Student Center ticket office at (254) 710-3210 or at the Waco Hippodrome Box Office at (254) 752-9797.
For more information, contact Riemer at (254) 710-4186 and Troy Tinney, director of fine arts for Waco ISD, at (254) 755-9521.