It is that time of the year when the Jones Performing Arts Center becomes transformed into the American Idol stage as students compete for the elite spot as Tiger Tunes host or hostess.
Under the direction of Joey Licklider, production manager and technical director of Jones Performing Arts Center, and with the assistance of choreographer and 2010 Ouachita grad, Grace Whitaker, auditions for the 2013 hosts and hostesses will be held this Saturday.
Licklider coordinates the show itself but he also oversees costumes, music selections and rehearsals.
“Joey had a lot of input on the songs, telling us if they had been done in the past or if they were available for us to do,” said Alexis Pace senior musical theatre major from Sugarland, Texas and former Tiger Tunes hostess. “It was nice having someone who had done it in the past, so we weren’t all new at it. He gave me a goal to work towards.”
About 40 to 50 students from around campus will line up and perform for their chance to become one of the eight hosts.
“This the 35th annual Tiger Tunes show so we might get a chance to do some special things this year. The tryouts will be very much like previous years. Once the new group is picked, we will start working right away on any special ideas for the anniversary year show,” said Licklider.
While singing and dancing is a major part of being a hostess, stage presence is also a consideration for the judges. To determine stage presence along with talent, the judges require a dance and “pop quiz” along with the vocal auditions. This not only gives students the opportunity to gain a feel of being a host, but also allows judges to see their stage presence under stress.
“[The judges] wanted to look for confidence on stage and it seems like the people who seemed confident did better,” said Brandon Stokes, 2012 Ouachita graduate and former host. “Tryouts are as stressful as you make them. I wanted to do it to meet new people so it wasn’t going to be a huge deal if I didn’t make it.”
Students selected as hosts and hostesses will not only become Ouachita celebrities but will represent the school and the Ouachita Student Foundation to incoming freshman, potential students and alumni.
“Being a host or hostess is a big deal,” said Rachel Shrader, senior speech communication major from Litchfield, Ill. “You don’t just sing on the stage like most people think, you represent the school for that semester. Everyone knows you and looks to you as an influence.”
The general public is invited to come and support students during the vocal auditions Saturday Feb. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Each auditioning student has the option of using the musical accompaniment of their choice. However, a capella auditions and students using MP3s will not be accepted.
Being a Tiger Tunes hostess or host will involve time commitment along with other criteria. Being a full-time student with an acceptable grade point average of 2.5 or above is a requirement for the position. The sign-up sheet will be available until Wednesday Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.
Further information can be found outside Licklider’s office, JPAC 111, or online at obu.edu/tigertunes.
