The Department of Theatre announced the 2018 Spring Sing hosts and hostesses today, Sept. 19. Hosts and hostesses include freshman Maxwell Ross, sophomores Brooks Bennett and Ava Galyean, and junior Caroline Ritchie. The students will perform solo and ensemble numbers transitioning between social club shows.

In addition to Spring Sing, Ross will play a lead role in the Homecoming musical, “Annie Get Your Gun” as Frank Butler. He said being a host was something he has wanted to do since first seeing Spring Sing in 2014 and hopes it will help him come closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming an actor.

“Me auditioning for this was like a shot in the dark; I didn’t really think that I could make it,” Ross said. “This is an extremely vital time in my career as an actor and a performer and I’m excited to be able to grow and learn from such talented people … this was a bucket list thing, since it’s such a big deal at Harding.”

Galyean is a second-generation Spring Sing hostess. Her mother was a hostess for two years (1988 and 1990) while at Harding, and Galyean said she dreamed of becoming one herself since she was young.

“When I was in third grade, I saw my first Spring Sing and was in awe of the hosts. I was absolutely obsessed,” Galyean said. “I am so beyond grateful for this opportunity. I literally cannot wait to get started.”

For Bennett and Ritchie, performing together is nothing new. The two have performed together in high school and look forward to working with the other Spring Sing participants. As a transfer student, Bennett said he is excited to form new relationships while working with an old friend.

“I love being involved in the creative process, and I’m so honored to be a part of the Spring Sing ream this year,” Bennett said. “Since this is my first semester at Harding, I’m really excited to make new connections and meet people who share a love for performance.”

Ritchie said being a Spring Sing hostess gives her a new perspective of the production. She participated with her social club in 2016 and was a part of the ensemble during last year’s show.

“It’s always been one of my goals to be a part of Spring Sing, and I look up so much to all the past hosts and hostesses,” Ritchie said. “I’m really looking forward to working with the other hosts, and getting to share Spring Sing with so many people who are involved with clubs or tech and everyone who comes to see it.”

The theme for Spring Sing 2018 is “Heroes & Villains.” Ensemble auditions will be held Monday, Nov. 13.