Written by Sarah Kyle
Each year, there is an elite group that is the first to see an official Spring Sing performance. Parking lots are cleared for their arrival, and they are escorted into the Benson Auditorium with special privilege.
Who are these elites? Children from across the Searcy area, anxious to see the show.
The children’s matinee show has become a Spring Sing tradition over the past few years, always serving as the opening show of one Harding’s biggest productions.
For senior Jennifer Gibson, who participated in Spring Sing with Shantih in 2007 and 2009, this special show was her favorite to perform.
“The kids are so happy to see the show that they cheer and scream no matter what your show is,” Gibson said. “It’s always a great show because you get to perform the show in costume for a real audience and get a really excited reaction.”
Gibson said the excitement of the audience allows a calming of the nerves and a pep rally for the remaining shows of the weekend.
Senior Jake Rush, who has participated in Chi Sigs and Regina’s shows in 2008 and 2009, said that the show allows performers to have more fun without the fear of being judged but added that student performers should approach the show as professionally as a regular show.
“[Some people] don’ttake it too seriously and intentionally don’t perform their best,” Rush said. “It’s still a show, and you need to do your best.”
Senior Laura Lovett, a director of one of this year’s shows, Bollywood’s “The Show Must Go On,” said that the children bring another perspective to Spring Sing that more people should share.
“It’s so much fun because Spring Sing appeals to them: the colors, music, lights, everything,” Lovett said. “I feel like if we all got to see Spring Sing through the eyes of children, it would be much more appreciated.”
Lovett added that the children offer genuine appreciation and support for the shows without club loyalty.
“I feel like it gets the cast pumped up because their applause is genuine. It isn’t coming from your social club,” Lovett said. “They don’t know or care what club you are representing.”
What adds to the experience, Lovett said, is the overall excitement of the Spring Sing atmosphere and traditions.
“Spring Sing has been one of the most unique and rewarding experiences of my life. It is a great way to meet people you may not have ever gotten a chance to meet,” Lovett said. “It has been so wonderful to not only bond with my sisters in my club but with people from other clubs too.”
With all the traditions and excitement of Spring Sing, many students agree that the children’s matinee may be one of the best for both kids and performers.
“It is a great tradition because it is a free show for the kids,” said senior Landon Dover, who performed with Shantih in 2007. “And I bet it inspires some kids to start singing or dancing.”
For more information on Spring Sing, including ticket information and show times, visit www.harding.edu/springsing.
Shows are as follows: Friday night @ 7 p.m., Saturday afternoon @ 2 p.m. and Saturday evening @ 7 p.m.
