Alma Mater, all dramatic like

In a school with few traditions, and fewer moments of unity, the Varsity Show stands as one of our most celebrated, and important, institutions. Whether by articulating a culture as hard to define as it is to find, reminding us of those shared moments of Columbia life, or else by mercilessly satirizing the administration, the Varsity Show presents us with a vision that brings us together. Only occasionally does this vision bring us together in how much we are mutually unhappy with it.

For those first years who didn’t spend their summers desperately researching every element of Columbia life, the Varsity Show is a self-proclaimed student-written, student-composed musical satirizing life her. Stretching back to 1894 as a fundraiser for Varsity sports, the show is now in its 121st iteration.

And they need you.

Whether you seek to test your talents against the whole of the student body, join the ranks of Rodgers and Hammerstein, I.A.L. Diamond, Jenny Slate, and countless other alumni who have played a role in years past, or simply let yourself remember how proud you are to be here, interviews will be held Monday, September 29, through Wednesday October 1, between 8:00 and 11:00 pm, location tba. The Facebook event can be found here, with updates and the eventual location.

Positions include:

• Director: In control of the overall creative vision of the show
• Producer(s): Oversees the entire production, acts as liaisons to the University and the rest of the Varsity Show team, creates budget and handles all logistics and planning
• Writer(s): Responsible for all the written scenes in the musical
• Composer: Responsible for writing the music for the show, orchestrating the work for the pit musicians and possibly teaching the music and conducting the orchestra for the show.
• Lyricist: Writes the words that accompany the music
• Choreographer: Responsible for the direction of all the movement set to music
• Art Director: Maintains the artistic vision of the show, leads the building of the set and acts as the head of the design team

More information can be found at http://www.thevarsityshow.com/, and questions can be addressed to varsity@columbia.edu