Usually held four times a year by the men’s social club Avanti Boosters, Encore has become a staple of the student experience at AU. However, the options for hosting such a large event on campus have been limited since the beginning of the pandemic. This reality has also affected popular CAB events, such as Bond. Before the semester ends, Boosters and CAB hope to give students a taste of post-pandemic normalcy—for the first time since February of 2020, both Encore and Bond will be held in … [Read more...]
Select events return to campus as select restrictions lifted
As restrictions on public gathering sizes are being loosened and lifted campus-wide and state-wide, several classic events are making a return to AU to wrap up the semester. Several of these events to which students can look forward are below. April 26 – Pitch on the Prairie Each year, AU’s MBA program hosts a Business Plan Competition, allowing students to pitch business ideas to a panel of judges. This year, the event is titled to reflect its venue: Conner Prairie. “Competitors … [Read more...]
“Evening of Excellence” to recognize students in SOMTD
Every spring, students in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD) are recognized for accomplishments in both the academic side of the arts as well as the performance side in a gala-style event entitled “Evening of Excellence.” A number of awards are given out for academics, dance history, music history, music theory and many other subjects in the SOMTD, along with a few named scholarships. The performances of the Solo Competition winners will be included in the event, as well. This … [Read more...]
Black Bird Film Festival to be held in person
While most film-fanatics are getting excited for the upcoming Oscars, AU students, faculty and staff are eagerly awaiting the fifth annual Black Bird Film Festival. A mix between the Oscars and a Hollywood movie premiere, AU’s cinema and media arts program hosts the festival each year to show off student-made short films, commercials and even music videos. Last year, at the height of the pandemic, the festival was held virtually. Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Arts … [Read more...]
Lights, camera, action: Cinema and media arts students to release three short films
Among the busyness of spring semester on campus, cinema and media arts students have begun casting, filming and editing short films set to premier at this year’s Black Bird Film Festival. The film team for “The First Day” shot many of the scenes last semester, but were forced to delay further shoots due to COVID-19. This semester, the crew picked up where they left off and recently finished shooting. Director and producer Jonathan Williams, a junior cinema and media arts major, … [Read more...]
‘Art and Soul’ celebrates 25 years
Black History Month is usually commemorated with events celebrating the social and cultural impact of black culture in America. One prominent event in Indiana has been the Art and Soul program put on annually by the Arts Council of Indianapolis. For 25 years the event has hosted over 2,000 people downtown to celebrate Black art and music. Typically, the event is held at the Artsgarden in Indianapolis, and the program has helped bring awareness and appreciation to African American … [Read more...]
Vision Revision chapel cultivates authenticity and creativity
Every semester, Vision Revision (VRV) chapel is a unique, student-led worship experience celebrating the arts that is usually different from the more traditional services students see on a regular basis. Despite the chapel services being virtual this school year, last semester’s Vision Revision and this semester’s remain in-person while still following COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. Elissa Weisz, Vision Revision coordinator, shared that because this chapel is so creative, it may … [Read more...]
Wilson Gallery displays faculty work
Until Feb. 26, the Wilson Gallery in the Krannert Fine Arts Center will be displaying works from four faculty members within the communication and design arts department. These faculty members have juggled full-time teaching positions while maintaining their professional practices outside of the classroom. The exhibition boasts published books, paintings, photographs, videos and even 3D design work. Instructor of Art Tai Lipan, Professor of Communication Dr. David Baird, Associate … [Read more...]
SOMTD adapts to COVID-19 restrictions
Despite the obstacles COVID-19 has continued to present, the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD) has been hard at work to ensure students still have opportunities to perform, connect with industry professionals and collaborate in a safe and healthy environment. This semester, the SOMTD will be producing two theatrical productions as usual, but in innovative ways—a PowerPoint opera and a musical podcast were not what anyone predicted for this spring’s productions, but the forced … [Read more...]
Annual MLK day celebrations persist
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is signified and celebrated on AU’s campus every year. All classes are suspended for the day, and you’ll find students, faculty and staff participating in the Peace and Justice March, attending forums on campus and joining in on city-wide events. Despite having to transition to a virtual format for this year’s celebration, various events still allowed the campus community and city to honor King’s life and legacy. The events on campus follow a theme every … [Read more...]