By Allison Daze, sophomore

Two Friends University clubs will be coming together to provide students with an opportunity to showcase their talents and support a local charity on Friday, Jan. 29.

The Group and the Drama Club are co-hosting a talent show called Cabaret for a Cause, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium. A $3 admission charge will be collected at the door to benefit New Directions, a local organization devoted to AIDS support, awareness and research.

In past years, the Drama Club has hosted a cabaret to showcase students’ talents, and The Group has put on a fundraiser talent show. This year, however, the clubs decided to join forces to put on a new event.

“People felt really awkward because they felt they had to choose between the two,” said Shayn Guillemette, president of Drama Club.

“So we thought, why not combine the events together,” Guillemette said.

He has been working with official head advocates of The Group, including senior Natalie Swanner and junior Megan Price, for the last month to put the event together.

The audience can expect to see at least 10 acts, featuring mostly singers and instrumentalists. Performances will include Broadway hits, contemporary pop songs and even an original composition. The atmosphere will be relaxed and friendly, Price said.

“It’s not structured. Just do what you love,” she said.

Providing a friendly and inviting environment for students to perform is one of the main purposes of Cabaret for a Cause. Price said The Group talent show was a success in this area last year, and she hopes to have a similar experience with this year’s event.

“I heard so many people sing who I had never heard before and I was so glad they had a safe environment to express their talents,” she said. “It was beautiful.”

Though the clubs held auditions for those performing in Cabaret for a Cause on Saturday Jan. 23, the purpose of these the auditions was to be sure that all acts comply with Community Life Standards, which define what the University considers appropriate behavior for students. Everyone who auditioned will be allowed to perform.

Guillemette said the groups chose to work with New Directions because “AIDS has always been a disease that has plagued the artistic community.”

The clubs will donate the proceeds from the admissions charge, but people are welcome to donate more.

Price hopes their event will inspire others.

“Maybe people can see what we’re doing and be inspired to do something on their own.”

Sophomore music performance major Jeremy Schrag, who will perform a piano duet with junior Katie Henderson, is looking forward to participating in the event.

“It’s a great cause and a great opportunity to gain more performance experience.”