By Faith Marscio
Student Activities is hosting a talent show Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 7–9 p.m. in The Hub in Kilcawley Center.
The idea for the talent show originated from student interest, according to Sophie Hecht, Student Activities graduate associate.
“We thought it would be a fun way to experience new things together, and students miss having live events,” Hecht said.
According to the assistant director of programming for Student Activities, Carolyn Jesko, the idea originated from a proposed open mic night before the pandemic began.
A popular student organization on campus, Penguin Productions, will have some of its members serving as judges at the show. Destiny Magee, a member of Penguin Productions, had the original idea for the talent show. While Penguin Productions and Student Activities are not known for talent show-style events, they are excited to venture into this new type of programming.
“In the past, we haven’t necessarily done a talent show through the Student Activities office because the marketing student organization put on a talent show in the past, so we did not want to step on their toes,” Jesko said.
In years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Student Activities has hosted musical events, such as an open mic night, which served as inspiration for this upcoming event.
“Prior to the pandemic … we had an open mic night as a part of Welcome Week,” Jesko said.
There will be Youngstown State University prize packs for first, second and third places that will include a tailgate chair, blankets and a Build-A-Penguin. The show is open to anyone, participating or not. As of Feb. 16, 11 slots remain open.
Penguin Productions is actively looking for all different types of talent. Students will receive an email through the Student Events Digest — formerly The Pulse — or on the Student Activities Instagram.
Pen Pro talent lead Ryan Flemming, a junior, said he is “excited for a special new event to be held on campus.”
In addition to the talent show, Student Activities has a number of events returning to campus, including a trip to a Cavaliers game where $10 buys a ticket to the game and transportation to and from Cleveland. There will also be another Adulting 101 session Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 2-3 p.m. in the Pollack Room.
