Several talented student groups will take to the LaHaye Event Space to audition for a performance spot in Coffeehouse: The Great Beyond starting February 21 to 28.
For those selected to be part of Coffeehouse, this Liberty tradition serves as an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of thousands of their peers. This year’s theme “The Great Beyond” encourages students to look for inspiration out of this world with suggested songs including Owl City’s “Fireflies” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man.” Though Coffeehouse usually boasts many musical acts, Student Activities Director Cort Comfort encourages aspiring performers to think beyond musical numbers.
“It may seem like Coffeehouse is mostly bands and musicians, but our team is always very excited when a student steps outside of the box,” Comfort said. “This could be magic, dance, stand-up comedy (and) even whistling.”
Student Activities announced the spring theme at their Christmas Coffeehouse in December 2021. D-Trex Dance Crew, a hip-hop dance group that performs at many Coffeehouse events, has prepared for over a month in hopes of securing a spot to perform.
“A lot of it is just for fun because we all love dancing,” D-Trex member Shelby Hassall said. “And part of it is loving to perform for others and show others what we’re doing.”
The audition process for Coffeehouse is simple and allows students interested in auditioning to sign up for a time slot on the Student Activities website. Auditionees will arrive show-ready at their designated time during the afternoons and evenings of Feb. 21, 22, 24, 26 and 28. For most of the groups, waiting to hear back is the hardest part.
“In general, after we audition, we just wait which is kind of nerve-racking because if we don’t get in, it’s a month of preparation for nothing,” Hassall said.
Because of the large crowds for Coffeehouse, Student Activities holds auditioning acts to high standards. According to Comfort, Student Activities looks for acts who have worked hard and deserve the opportunity to perform in front of such a large crowd.
“We are looking for acts who are talented, rehearsed and find an interesting way to incorporate the theme into their performance,” Comfort said. “Creativity is key.”
Even if groups do not manage to snag one of the elusive Coffeehouse spots, the process allows groups to grow closer.
“It’s a really neat bonding experience for all of us to go through that process together,” Hassall said, “and whether we get in or we don’t, we all experience it together.”
Coffeehouse: The Great Beyond will take place March 26 at 11:30 p.m. in the Vines Center. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets at liberty.edu/coffeehouse. Attendees should expect a night of talent, audience interaction and excitement with inspiration from galaxies far, far away.
“Nearly every major musician has a song using space travel as the catalyst to depict human spirit,” Comfort said. “We are going to try to take all that and cram it into one galactic night.”
Besides looking for acts, Students Activities encourages students to submit videos to be shown during Coffeehouse. Videos are due by 11 p.m. on Feb. 27 and should follow the guidelines on the Student Activities website.
For more information about Student Activities, Coffeehouse and other events, students can visit liberty.edu/sa.
Kamman is a news reporter.