Coffeehouse promises Christmas cheer
Get ready for a show of glacial proportions, as Student Activities prepares to celebrate Christmas at the North Pole during this year’s annual Christmas Coffeehouse Nov. 30 at 11:30 p.m.
Every winter, students flock to the Vines Center to show their Christmas spirit to support the artistic talents of their peers, while seizing the opportunity to stay out past curfew.
“Christmas Coffeehouse is one of my favorite events,” Erin Diaz Cleveland, assistant director of Student Activities, said. “This year, we are really looking forward to portraying what everyone believes the North Pole to be.”
For a chance to star in the magical event, auditions will be held Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 from 5–10 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space. Students wanting to participate are encouraged to come early and be prepared, as sign-ups for tryouts are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
According to Diaz Cleveland, there are typically around 10-15 acts and 5-10 video submissions chosen each year. In groups of three or fewer, all participants must be current Liberty students, and in groups of four or more, at least 75 percent of performers must be current Liberty students. Other guidelines and requirements for tryouts are listed on the Student Activities website.
“We are thankful for all the students and staff who put in time to make this event what it is,” Diaz Cleveland said. “We have an extremely talented student body, and this event always showcases that.”
Diaz Cleveland said the event would not be possible without the diligent behind-the-scenes work of all of the Student Activities staff members.
“Each year, our team puts in hundreds of hours combined to build decorations, hold tryouts and prepare the show in order to create a unique experience for the student body,” Diaz Cleveland said. “I love getting to watch all the hard work of our team come to fruition.”
To help break the ice, returning Coffeehouse host Landen Swain will introduce the acts, along with new games and giveaways that will be revealed the night of the show.
“Nothing is ever really predictable at Coffeehouse,” Swain said. “It’s so much fun, and every year brings a different set-up, theme and aesthetic.”
When asked what his favorite part about hosting has been in the past, Swain answered with enthusiasm.
“Shopping beforehand,” Swain said. “Last year, I got to buy a tux, and I get to look all spiffy.”
Referring to this year’s freshmen class, Swain mentioned that he is looking forward to having the new students be a part of Coffeehouse for the first time.
“You never really forget your first Coffeehouse,” Swain said. “I’m just excited for (freshmen) to get to experience it.”
Doors will open at 10 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. For the early bird price, tickets are $3 until Oct. 31. After that, the price goes up to $5 until Nov. 29, and then $7 if reserved on the day of the show. For more information, or to purchase tickets, students can visit liberty.edu/campusrec/sa.