The 15th annual SMU Staff Association talent show welcomed a variety of talents. Professors and faculty members showcased their talents in the Hughes Trigg Ballroom entertaining a crowd of their peers. The show opened at noon with a performance from the host, Jenna Skyy. Several people walked away with door prizes and decorated pumpkins as gifts.

To start the show, Jenna Skyy did a lip-synch performance to a mash up of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. Her big red hair matched her energetic performance as she danced between the round tables where guests were seated.

Francine Simpson, an Application Developer for the Office of Information Technology, sang “Memories” a classical piece by Andrew Lloyd. Simpson was followed by Ian Richards, a staff member, who did a standup magic routine that made the crowd chuckle as they ate their turkey sandwiches and Parmesan chips.

Soulful singer, Brenda Sharpless, brought warmth to the ballroom with her performance of her favorite worship song, “I Bless His Name”.

Emily Newsome recited an original poem that was inspired by her past of domestic violence. Newsome noted that she was nervous about sharing her story.

The audience clapped loudly to show their support of the poem.

“Thank you for that response,” said Newsome.

Door prizes were given out in between acts. There was a raffle system that picked an audience member to receive a prize.

One person from each table had an orange ticket underneath their plate, which meant they were the winners of a glitter-decorated pumpkin.

“What’s in those bags for the door prizes?” said Skyy. “Surplus office supplies?”