The Event Planning Group Seeks to Draw More University Attendance
Comedian Andy Hendrickson opened for special guest and comedian Rob Gleeson at the University’s Comedy Night & hosted by SAB (Student Activities Board) last Saturday.
Joseph Pagnotta, SAB Vice President of Finance and Administration and a junior, estimated that there was an audience of about 50 to 60 people. “[This was] A usual turnout for a University-sponsored small comedy event,” he said.
From the start, both comedians were involved with the crowd and established a loose, comfortable and appropriate comic environment.
Hendrickson expressed his message about safe sex on college campuses after opening the floor up to any topic from the audience. He joked about condoms and what can be done to make them more effective and more reasonable to use.
Each comedian had different reasons for performing and how their careers have affected their lives and personalities.
Gleeson spoke about his time traveling across the country. His jokes and material reflected who he is and how comedy has helped shaped him, yet also how it has gotten him into trouble.
Pagnotta discussed what SAB did to host and set up comedy night. “The pre-production process star ts with general research conducted by the 12-manned SAB e-board staff. This research consists of YouTube videos.
Comedy Central acts, or an occasional email from an agency. Once two prospects are found, the names are handed over to Megan McGowan, Head of SAB The financial process is then completed, and calls to finalize dates and booking begins,” Pagnotta said.
Amy Bellina, Director of Stu- dent Activities and Student Center Operations, said, “There are a couple different ways that S.A.B. works for pre-production. We get a ton of mailers and emails about information on different acts and performers, but also they attend The National Association of Campus Activities Conference where performers are showcased, where some of the prospects come from. The pre-production process is a long one that usually starts a semester ahead.”
Once a comedian is selected, the school has no involvement with the material produced.
“The students choose the performer after an initial viewing, we have no say in the material. So far we have not r un into any problems with that” Bellina said.
Both Pagnotta and Bellina were satisfied with the smooth-running show, and the turnout. Bellina was happy with the tur n-out of the event but admits that she would have liked to see more people.
Comedy Night was open to all students, listed everywhere, advertised on campus and had free admission.
“I think comedy crosses a lot of interest. Where in music somebody may like one type of music or band and another may not. It is also a great stress-release and it’s good to laugh,” said Bellina.
When asked how the University could increase attendance for campus-sponsored events, senior WMCX talent Diego Allessandro said, “The problem isn’t with how the University promotes events, it’s students who don’t go to events. I go to events that I can contribute my time and money on and enjoy, but plainly put, most of these kids are too lazy to go to events or they are just too interested in par tying instead of bettering themselves at educational events or going to fun campus events.”
Whether this means taking surveys of what the students want more on campus keeping prices low and planning events on days that students do not have other social activities, commitment, or reasonable show times, the University is working on in-creasing attendance and aware- ness of campus event and shows.
Any ideas or suggestions for events can be brought directly to SAB.
