Capers allows students to be “heroes”

Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson

It’s that time of year again. You guessed it ? Capers. Students from every major join the theatre majors to produce a unique show once a year.

“Capers is where you meet crazy, outgoing people from all kinds of majors and different ages,” said Allison Weiland, president of Alpha Psi Omega.

The theme for Capers 2010 is “Capers Powers Up,” which focuses on young superheroes experimenting with their new superpowers.

“This is my third year of Capers, and my favorite part of it is the diverse group of participating students it brings every year,” said Ben Rodman, a junior communication studies and theatre major from Sioux Falls. “There are Capers kids from almost every department on campus, and when everyone gets together to perform, things just get crazy.”

Auditions for Capers were held Dec. 12, and the show will premiere Jan. 26 with shows running until Jan. 30. APO puts together all aspects of Capers, with performances at 7:30 p.m. every night.

“Capers has evolved quite a bit. It used to be a talent show, and now there is more dancing and choreography,” said Kari Eliason, secretary of APO and fifth-year participant in Capers.

“I have been in Capers for five years and the amount of students has grown,” said Weiland, who has been part of APO for three years. “There are good, talented performers, and Capers always has originality.”

After being in Capers for a least a year, some students can pinpoint something they are looking forward to from year to year.

“What I’m looking forward to most this year is dancing to ‘That’s Not My Name,'” said Elizabeth Drown, a junior human development and family studies major from Bison, S.D.

Capers offers many options for students, including dancing, singing, acting and even managing the show.

“I’m stage managing this year, so even though the prospect of doing such a huge show is terrifying, I’m excited for the challenge,” said Rodman.

Every student that has participated in Capers has a favorite memory from the show. Some like seeing new faces.

“I enjoy seeing all the people participate,” said Eliason. “They have fun doing something new.”

Some enjoy working with their fellow actors.

“I’m excited to hang with friends I made last year and to meet new people,” said Rodman.

Some of the students like a challenge when participating in Capers.

“My favorite part is the dancing, because I’m horrible at it,” said Drown.

Whether it’s the show itself or the anticipation leading up to it, Capers rehearsals only last two weeks, so many hours of work must come together quickly, and students usually rise to the occasion.

“Capers introduced me to so many legit people I may not have met otherwise,” said Rodman. “Plus, building the show from the ground up, helping with directing/choreographing the scenes and dances and working in close quarters with a large group has taught me more life skills than I’d care to admit.”

Tickets go on sale Jan. 25-30 in the box office located on the second floor of the Administration Building. The box office is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and reopens at 6 p.m. on show nights, and can be reached at 688-6425.

Tickets will also be sold in The Union Jan. 25-29 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Reserved tickets are $11, and general admission tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for high school students and SDSU students with a student ID.

“Come check out the show and watch fellow SDSU students Power Up,” said Rodman.