The Student Activities Organization (SAO) hosts a talent show every spring semester, one that showcases the skills and abilities of the University’s students.
The first two rounds were conducted each of the last two Fridays and the final round of competition is scheduled for this Friday, Feb. 21.
The first-place finishers win $500; second place, $250; third place, $100.
The group of competitors who have advanced to this week’s finals includes John Paul Caroff, Elizabeth Schmidt, Gavin Ross, Natalya Cann, Reace Myers, Sydney Shifko, Cole Weiland, Brady Albright and Stephen Jacobs.
“The goal of SAO is to create a community through student activities on campus,” said SAO President Ava Rhodes.
“SFU’s Got Talent encapsulates that goal perfectly.”
Rhodes, SAO Vice President Haley Gray and other members of SAO have worked hard to make the annal three-part event come to fruition.
Responsibilities included organizing the competition, finding clubs to operate concessions, recruiting participants, advertising, planning mini-games, writing scripts, and helping with set-up and tech issues.
Rhodes and Gray host the mini-games between acts.
“Being a host in SFU’s Got Talent is one of the most surreal experiences,” said Gray. “My favorite part is seeing the laughter and smiles of the crowd and performers.
“It’s great to bring the student body together for such a memorable time.”
This year’s event included seven acts and featured bands, solo singers and dancers.
Elizabeth Schmidt sang a jazz version of “Die For You” by The Weeknd in the first round before performing “From the Start” by Laufey last week.
“If I am blessed enough to make it to the final round,” said Schmidt, “I plan to sing a power ballad about losing the love you once knew.”
Schmidt said she was inspired by her friends and the other talented performers competing in SFU’s Got Talent to find her voice and try new things.
Attendees vote for their favorite act. One act is eliminated each week.
“I would consider SFU’s Got Talent our (SAO’s) most successful event because we fill the auditorium with people supporting their classmates,” said Rhodes.
