Students shuffle out of Pi Kappa Alpha at 10 p.m. each Tuesday night — some singing, others giggling and a few talking about what last minute homework assignments they need to finish.

These students just finished a two-hour rehearsal for Varieties, a competition that emphasizes singing, dancing and creativity.

“It’s fun seeing everyone’s different talents that you wouldn’t have expected from before,” said Suzy Caffoe, sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communications.

Caffoe is one of the co-chairpersons for her Varieties pairing that includes Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, Delta Delta Delta sorority, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. This group of greek students is one of six pairings working hard to complete their 18- to 20-minute skit for the semi-final performances Feb. 11 and 12. 

Each pairing has at least one fraternity and one sorority working together to create an original skit, complete with original script, choreography and lyrics. They all practice three times a week, for two hours each time, learning everything needed for a successful skit. 

“Every [co-chairperson] has the challenge of composing ideas and writing the script as a group,” Caffoe said. “Even after that [the co-chairpersons] make sure our group is learning as much as they need to be ready for performances.”

Aside from the six larger groups consisting of 50 to 60 people per pairing, there are also five to seven smaller acts that students outside of the greek community are performing.

“These smaller acts, called vignettes, can be singing, belly dancing, juggling, really anything. It’s all a big competition for students to display their talents,” said Denton Patrick, senior in biochemistry and producer of Varieties.

“Vignettes perform in between the larger acts. [Varieties] is like a big talent show,” Caffoe said.

The vignettes can be up to 10 minutes long.

“A couple weeks before the Varieties performances, there’s tech and dress rehearsals,” said Ashley Davison, junior in kinesiology and health and stage director for Varieties. “When it comes to show time, I control the curtain.”

Once dress rehearsals are complete, there are two stages of the Varieties competition.

“Prelims are Feb. 11 and 12 in the Great Hall,” Patrick said. “The top three acts from both the larger pairing group and the smaller groups move on to Sweepstakes. It’s been a long tradition to call it that.”

Sweepstakes, also known as “Sweeps,” will take place at 6 and 9 p.m. Feb. 25, and at 8 p.m. Feb. 26.

“I love being able to see others show their talents. I can’t sing or dance, so I like giving the opportunity to those 600 students that want to,” Patrick said.

Varieties has been apart of the ISU tradition for 80 years.

“Besides pride, the top three big acts and top three little acts are awarded trophies,” Patrick said.

“Skits before have involved talking bugs, students acting as puppets; there’s a huge variety of things that [audiences] can come see,” Patrick said.

“It’s a really great show and fun to see the different acts and people and types of talent. It’s a great experience to, not only do, but to see as well,” Caffoe said.