After raising over $2,000 for the AIDS unit of the Children’s Hospital last year, student artists and performers hope to raise more money for another worthy cause.
COPA’s annual benefit show will raise funds for Team Brother Bear, a Canadian group that raises money for brain tumor research and to aid families who have a loved one suffering from brain cancer.
“Team Brother Bear was founded in honor of my roommate’s [Addison Brasil] brother, who passed in September from brain cancer,” Raymond Interior, a sophomore dance major, said. “His brother [Austin] is the honorary president.”
All admission charges to the show will go to Team Brother Bear. Other committees raise more money throughout the semester and door prizes are given away as part of the fundraiser.
The show is set for Feb. 22 in the GRW Dance Complex.
Auditions will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Make-up auditions will be held Monday, Feb. 9 in the evening. Faculty members of the conservatory adjudicate auditions.
“Select faculty watch the numbers or works being submitted to be in the benefit and establish the order of the show,” Josh Manculich, a senior dance major, said. “And they make sure that all works are going well and will be appropriate for a sincere show with a sincere purpose.”
This year Peter Merz, Jason McDole and Ron Tassone were selected as faculty adjudicators. Staff member Joe McGoldrick helps plan the benefit and oversees that it runs smoothly.
The dance and theater clubs sponsor the benefit every year.
Any student, faculty or staff member may audition for pieces. Each work is limited to three minutes maximum for pieces with two people and four minutes maximum for ensemble pieces with three or more people. No solo pieces are permitted.
Usually there are 20 to 30 pieces, but there is no limit to the number of groups that can perform.
“This year, 15 people have signed up so far, and it looks to be a good show,” Manculich said.
Students, faculty or staff who are interested in auditioning can sign up outside of the COPA office on the 6th floor of Lawrence Hall.
For more information on Team Brother Bear, visit www.teambrotherbear.ca.
