Due to construction in the Reber Center, the annual Variety Show was held in the South Campus Field House with stages, lighting, and sound equipment rented from Windy City Music.

“I was very happy with the final result of this year’s Variety Show,” Student Activities Director Peter Geddeis said. “ More importantly, I heard a lot of positive feedback from students, staff, and parents. We certainly learned some valuable lessons about putting on a show in a big empty space like the Field House, lessons that will translate to the new Reber Center.”

When Geddeis was notified about the whole scale renovation of the lights, stage and seating in the Reber Center, he knew the Variety Show would need a new venue. After many conversations with the building team, Athletic Director John Grundke, and at the time Principal Dave Franson, the group came to the conclusion that the event would be held in the field house due to the adequate space and availability, Geddeis said.

Geddeis chose Windy City Music to set up the stage, lighting and sound equipment needed to transform the field house into a performing center. In addition the bleachers were pulled out for seating.

“This is my fifth and sixth event with Windy City,” Geddeis said. “I have full confidence that they will be able to do the job quickly, safely, and well.”

Head stage manager Mike Yelovich ’15 was nervous from the pressure of previous shows compared to the show in the new venue, but it all would pay off in the end with the feeling of satisfaction after the show would end, he said.

“The Variety Show went well,” Yelovich ’15 said. “The new stage was scary to us. We weren’t used to it, but we adapted”

Many performers were reluctant to the change of venue because it was a different atmosphere to adjust to, but performer Ann Boyle ’17 had a different opinion.

“I actually liked it better in the field house because I think it felt like less of a performance, and more [like] a school event,” said Boyle ’17. “I also like how we started homecoming week in the field house, and we’ll end it there too, at the dance.”