Instead of hanging out with friends or going out, some students decided to work through Friday and Saturday in hopes of creating their own time machine.

The area in and around the Memorial Union’s Great Hall was buzzing with activity as members of the Iowa State Singers, Musica Antiqua and the Orchesis II Dancers made last minute preparations for Iowa State’s 40th annual Madrigal Dinner.

“It’s an exciting way to spend an evening and people like being transported to a different period of time,” says Stacey Goodman, junior in pre-business and member of the Iowa State Singers.

“There aren’t many other opportunities to experience Madrigal, especially in Iowa,” Goodman says.

“It’s not something you get to experience everyday,” says Katy Argotsinger, senior in music. “It raises money for the choir in a more unique and interesting way than your typical fund-raisers.”

The performers make the transformation from ISU students into the lords and ladies of the Renaissance, but they aren’t the only ones who dressed and acted the part at the performance.

Bob and Lora Larrance of Ames didn’t get to be on stage, but they came to the dinner dressed in homemade costumes and brought their children with them to share the experience.

“Its a wonderful family activity. We’ve brought our children with us the past two years,” Lora Larrance says.

Becky Powell of Des Moines didn’t come to the madrigal in costume, but says she was no less excited about the show because it’s a unique experience.

“It’s more interactive than a normal performance, and you have the opportunity to be as involved as you wish,” Powell says .

As the performance began, the Great Hall had been converted into a Renaissance-era dining room replete with flags, tapestries and coats of arms. The guests sat at long tables around an elevated stage. To one side of the room sat a large elevated table where the king’s court was expected to dine.

In the Oak Room, which served as a backstage area, the performers received the announcement to take their places.

With a shout of “Long live the king,” the courtiers took their seats and the evening’s entertainment began, featuring singing, dancing and skits authentic to the time period.

Backstage, the serving wenches rehearsed their portion of the performance, discussing what could be improved upon.

There is a great deal of time and effort involved in preparing for the madrigal, but Meredith Zipse, freshman in biology and member of the Orchesis II Dancers, says that making sure the guests walk away from the dinner satisfied is the ultimate payoff.

“One of my passions is to put on a good show, and make sure everyone has a great time,” Zipse says.