The Student Events and Activities Board will host the eighth annual NSU’s Got Talent on March 13 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Shark Circle in front of the Don Taft University Center.
SEA Board Vice President of Traditions Sasha Pimentel, junior communication studies major, said this year’s show will be more interactive with the audience than in previous years.
“It’ll be a really cool event to come back to after spring break,” she said. “It’s not just come, sit down and watch the show. We’re trying to add a different aspect to it.”
The winners will receive money to give to their organization or to use in the bookstore. The first place winner will receive $500, second place will receive $300, and third place will receive $200.
The event will be set up like “America’s Got Talent” with a main stage and three judges who will press a button to light up a large “X” if they are not a fan of a performance. The judges are Associate Academic Adviser Lesa Phillips from the College of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Director of Operations Robbie Bell and Volleyball Head Coach Jennifer King.
At least two of the three judges have to give a performance an “X” for the act to be voted off the stage. Pimentel said even though it’s sad to see someone get voted off, it’s also an aspect that helps people see how good spirited the event is.
“When people get ‘X’ed’ off, they don’t get mad; they just kind of accept it. We really try to keep a good-spirited and fun environment,” she said. “The judges give constructive criticism. Even though this is a fun event, it’s something we can do to grow and develop.”
This year’s event will also feature a surprise intermission about halfway between the performances. Pimentel said that students should expect to have a lot of fun.
Although the official number of participants has yet to be determined, Pimentel said they will have a pretty packed show.
NSU’s Got Talent will include a large variety of performances. In the past, contestants have sung, danced, modeled and puppeteered.
“It’s really interesting to see what acts people come up with,” Pimentel said.
Riff Tides member Carolena Albert, freshman music and exercise science major, said she has been singing and performing since middle school. Although she won’t be performing with NSU’s a capella group, she will sing an acoustic version of the song “Bang Bang” by Jessie J.
“If you’re passionate enough about what you like to do, you should always go for it. You shouldn’t hold back,” she said.
Photo Credit: COURTESY OF THE CURRENT
