The importance of performance

Stepping foot on campus as a freshman last year, I had a vague idea of what “college fun” was all about.

IU and partying seemed to go hand in hand from what I had gathered talking to other people. Not having much experience partying, I was worried that I wouldn’t find fun alternatives to the party scene. Then came an excursion to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater one fall night.

Last year on a breezy Friday evening, I went to Noodles & Company on Kirkwood Avenue for a quick dinner with some friends before figuring out the night’s plans. One of my friends announced she would be walking down to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to see the student production of “Cabaret.”

Although it sounded fun, I didn’t want to spend the money and three hours of my Friday night in a theater. However, I decided to join her at the last minute. With fifteen minutes left until the show started, we scurried down to the box office and purchased our tickets. We took our seats, and the house lights dimmed.

Over the next three hours, I was blown away by song after song. The fact that “Cabaret”  was entirely student-run impressed me even more. I couldn’t stop raving about it all week. Whenever I saw a cast member roaming around campus, I would congratulate him or her and say how much I enjoyed the show.

At times I felt like an obsessed fan, I could’ve given Jonas Brothers admirers a run for their money. The highlight of that week was when the actress who played Sally Bowles gave me a hug for complimenting her.

Seeing “Cabaret”  broadened my idea about having fun in college. I started spending weekends seeing shows of all sorts. I attended every performance that my schedule and bank account would allow. I would also encourage my friends to attend them with me. When I heard Ben Kweller was coming to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, I kindly coerced them to go with me.

While I still have fun attending parties, I enjoy going to shows even more. From improv shows to open mic nights to touring musicals to operas, Bloomington has it all. Performances give students an experience they can’t find at class, at football games or at parties.

They give people an escape from reality, a taste of other lives and cultures, a deeper appreciation for the arts and a chance to just have fun. Seeing shows of every variety gives students a well-rounded experience, which is what college is all about.

So next time you hear of an interesting act coming, buy a ticket. Most places even give students discounts. You can also volunteer to usher at the IU Auditorium or Wells-Metz Theatre to see shows completely free.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll enjoy the next show you see more than your typical Friday night plans.