As the lights go down at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in John R. Emens Auditorium, 20 acts will take the stage at this year's Homecoming Talent Search.
Sheri Niekamp, Talent Search chairwoman, said the performances should be entertaining.
"What we saw through the auditions was a lot of stage presence," Niekamp said.
While in past years many students have opted to skip the Talent Search to attend other Homecoming events, Niekamp said she hopes students come to enjoy the performances.
"The show often gets overlooked, but there is no entry fee for performers, and students have an opportunity to walk away with anywhere from $500 to $1,000 dollars," Niekamp said.
The show is split into seven categories, which are dance, female vocal, male vocal, instrumental, music groups, freestyle and original arrangement. Fifty-six students auditioned and judges picked the acts they thought were the best for the show.
The Alumni Association is funding the scholarships. Each category winner receives $500 dollars and the overall winner is presented with an additional $500 scholarship.
Michelle Johnson, director of Alumni Special Events, said the money for the scholarships is from the Ball State University Alumni Association General Operating Budget, which the Alumni Council approves annually.
Planning for the Talent Search began Spring Semester last year. Sixteen members of the Homecoming Steering Committee and three alumni advisers have assisted in making sure everything goes as it should.
"I think it will run pretty smoothly. Everyone seems pretty excited," Niekamp said.
The performers are practicing long hours to be at their best.
Junior Nathan Wilson, a telecommunications major, will be performing the Eagles song "Seven Bridges Road" with fellow Ball State students and group members Josh Coffey, Brandon Buller, Brad Kieper and Luke Meyer.
Wilson said the group practices every other day.
"We feel good," Wilson said. "The more we rehearse, we get better and more excited. By the time we get to the show, I'm confident we will do well."
Junior Noel Kunz, an advertising major, will be performing with his yo-yo to a Michael Jackson song. He said he is practicing at least two hours a day.
Kunz believes the competition will be tough, but he's not letting that get him down.
"I can cater to an audience and be an act people remember and enjoy," he said. "That's more important than a trophy."
Yet, Kunz said that doesn't make his nerves go away.
"This is the hardest show I've ever done and I'm afraid the audience won't understand," he said.
However, even if he doesn't walk away with a trophy or scholarship, Kunz said that's fine with him.
"I'm grateful that I can do this," he said. "This is my last chance to pour my heart out on stage. I want to leave with no regrets."
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