Stars shone brightly on the SMU campus — not the stars inthe sky, but the stars of the SMU Staff Association, which heldtheir Fourth Annual Talent Show on Wednesday in the Hughes-TriggBallroom.
SMUSA officer Lisa Morris said, “This is a fantasticopportunity for staff members to showcase their hobbies andtalents.”
The Annual Staff Talent Show started in 2000, when it consistedexclusively of performance art. The next year it expanded toinclude visual art as well. This year, the visual art showcase ranthe gamut, from a bookbinding exhibit, to photography and miniaturedollhouse art. In all, 47 staff members participated in thisyear’s show. The event was moved to Hughes-Trigg from theUmphrey Lee ballroom to accommodate the increase in attendance.
“It’s fun to see other staff members’ talentsthat are not work-related,” said Tricia Barnett, one of fourmembers of the group that created the bookbinding exhibit.
Some staff members were anxious at how their work might bereceived.
“I’ve been painting my whole life, but stillI’m a little nervous,” said Suzette Ramirez, whodisplayed a variety of paintings.
Morris said it is part of her job to persuade staff members toparticipate.
“We have to encourage some very talented people who are alittle shy,” she said.
Randall Powell, associate vice president for Budgets andFinancial Planning, was unable to participate in the last talentshow — he is also a warrant officer in the Army reserves andwas stationed in the Middle East last year. This year he sang acover of the George Strait song “Write This Down.” Hesaid he is not nervous performing for others.
“I’ve been performing for many years, and so far,nobody has thrown anything at me, so I think I’m prettygood,” he said.
The performance showcase included an interpretive reading,poetry, musical performances and even a ribbon dance.
Audience members were delighted by the baritone voice of DawsonService Center staff member Willie Lowrey, as well as thefolk-guitar performance by Fred Moss, professor in the DedmanSchool of Law and one of two faculty members to participate in theevent.
In the end, the day belonged to the Provost Players troupe,which closed the event with a rousing rendition of “When theSaints Come Marching In.” The troupe, consisting of ProvostRoss Murfin and other Provost Office staffers, brought the crowd toits feet with its take on the popular song, which included theline: “Oh when we win that football game, oh Lord, I want tobe in Ford Stadium, oh when we win that football game.”
“This year there was more variety than before,” saidVice President for Student Affairs Jim Caswell. “The breadthof talent was truly excellent.”
