Theatrical competitions aren’t just for high school drama clubs.

Varieties 2003, Iowa State’s very own display of talent and entertainment, showcases the performing skills of the university, but it is different than the typical evening of entertainment that most college students are used to.

“[Varieties] is a competition, but at the same time it is a show,” says Ruben Hidalgo, senior in marketing and Varieties 2003 co-recruitment chairman. “It’s a good way to get to know the people around you better.”

Kim Warner, senior in accounting and Varieties 2003 producer, says Varieties gives people the opportunity to network in different areas and gain leadership and technical experience.

“[Varieties] gives people experience in performing and getting involved and getting to know people,” Warner says. “This is not a regular dinner-and-a-movie kind of night.”

The event combines vocal and instrumental music, acting, dancing and stand-up comedy into three separate categories: vignettes, skits and emcees.

Vignettes are 10-minute performances in which one or more people present a talent they have, Hidalgo says.

This year’s vignette performances will include solos on the piano and guitar and the ISU Hip Hop Dance Club, as well as several other groups.

Preparation for the skits begins well in advance of the final performances. Many of the groups involved with the 20-minute skits start rehearsing six months prior to the competition, Warner says.

“With 30 to 50 people involved in each skit, the groups produce all original work from costumes and choreography to music and scripts,” Warner says.

Between each vignette and skit, and at the beginning and end of the show, the emcees perform a stand-up comedy routine.

“It gives students a chance to host the show,” Hidalgo says. “[The purpose of the emcees is] to warm up the crowd and keep them excited so they don’t get bored between intermissions.”

With more than 500 participants involved in the entire process, Varieties has become a long-standing tradition at Iowa State. Both students from the residence halls and the greek community are active in the event.

Varieties began in 1932 as a way to offer free entertainment to students during the Depression. The shows were performed on Friday nights for 10 weeks during the winter. As is the tradition today, the talent ranged from vocal and instrumental music to one-act skits.

During the years, the aim of Varieties has shifted to incorporate a competitive aspect to the traditional entertainment value of the show.

Now in its 71st annual season, Varieties has developed into three rounds of tryouts, cuts and performances.

The informal first cuts, which are not open to the public, are held in mid-November. Of the groups that audition, nine skits and vignettes advance to the second round and only three emcee groups make the cut.

The last emcee group is chosen during the second cuts, since they will be responsible for hosting the final performances. Also, three vignettes and three skits will make it to “Sweepstakes,” the final round of the competition.

Judged by a panel of faculty and community members, the groups are evaluated on the quality of their performances, script originality, creativity and clarity of delivery.

“Basically, [judges look for] overall entertainment value,” Warner says.

What: Varieties 2003

Where: Great Hall, Memorial Union

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $7