After Dark Variety Show to Open Parents Weekend

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Contact: Lori Fogleman, Assistant Vice President of Media Communications, (254) 710-6275
WACO, Texas (Sept. 16, 2014) – Top student talent ranging from C.S. Lewis-inspired contemporary dance to the power of spoken word will be featured over two nights during After Dark, Baylor University’s annual variety show, at 8 p.m. Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 in Waco Hall.
“[After Dark] is a little bit like America’s Got Talent. It features routines you’ve never seen before,” said Cheryl Mathis, assistant director of campus programs in the department of student activities.
Unlike a talent show, After Dark is non-competitive and features unique and creative acts that depart from the every day. The only competitive aspect is the audition process, which takes place over two nights where prospective performers are given 10 minutes to present multiple routines.
“It’s really fun to see [students] get excited about the more unique routines they’ve prepared because they’ve usually put their own thought and unique spin on it,” Mathis said.
Even the format of After Dark is different. Unlike other university performances like Sing and Stompfest the curtain never closes during the show. Instead, the lights dim, creating a more open stage. Sometimes two or even three acts will share the stage at the same time, transitioning one into another.
This year’s host is Brian Aslin, Baylor University class of 2013.
The following is the show program in order of act:
Act I (Sept. 19):
• Native American Flute by Will Crisp
• “Royals” vocal performance by Brenna Haffey
• “C.S. Lewis Song” contemporary dance by Mariah Sky Franklin
• “Senior Song” duet by Trannie Stevens and Jack Spalding
• “Wide Rolling Plains” country vocal yodeling by Madison Adams
• “I Believe” original song by Travis Grosscope, Brennon McFarlane and Michael Skarke

-Intermission-

Act II (Sept. 20):
• Recognition of Jay and Jenny Allison, Parents of the Year 2014
• “Solo No Estoy” vocal performance by Richard Hoxworth, Victoria Lopez, Daniel Martinez and Steven Rodriquez
• VirtuOso – “Country Dances” with Megan Becket, Connor Berry, John Brooks, Reed Cooper, Jenna Davies, Cassie Eggen, Natalie Kronser, Lizzy Loop, Austin Montgomery, Caleb Moore, Addison Pattillo, Chris Peters, Ross Tarpley, Nicole Wilkins and OT.
• “Stop This Train” vocal performance by Michael Fanning
• “Porcelain Doll” spoken Word by Alysia Johnson
• “Almost is Never Enough / Gravity Mashup” vocal performance by Megan Becker, Emily Faulk and Tyler Fox

Tickets are available at the Baylor Ticket Office or online for $14 for non-Baylor students and $10 for Baylor students. For more information, contact the Baylor Ticket Office at: (254) 710-3210 or BDSCTickets@baylor.edu.

by Sarah Czerwinski, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.