For all the aspiring playwrites, musicians and comedians on campus, there is an opportunity for you to make your “big break.”

Varieties, a 66-year tradition, is looking for talent to participate in its 1998 season. Sponsored by the Student Union Board, Varieties offers a chance for students to showcase their talent.

“It’s a fun way for a small group of people to get an opportunity to perform in front of an audience,” publicist Carolyn Jones said.

There are three ways to participate in Varieties: performing in a skit, participating in a vignette or acting as an emcee. Currently, Varieties is looking for those interested in vignettes and emcees.

Vignettes are 7- to 9-minute performances by individuals or groups and include all types of vocalists and musicians.

“Group performances [in vignettes] have been popular in the past,” Jones said. “But solos and dancers are also welcome.”

A few groups who are known to do well participate every year, Jones said.

“It is a tradition at the Farmhouse [fraternity] where a group of guys do a cappella every year,” said Devin Sires, a junior in marketing.

“Last year was my first year,” Sires added. “We didn’t win, but got into the semi-finals.”

Sires and four other members of Farmhouse have already formed a new a cappella group and have begun to practice.

“It’s a great way to perform in front of a group and showcase your talent,” Sires said. “There’s no real pressure behind it, and it’s just a good way to go out and have fun.”

Emcees are also in high demand. An emcee’s job is to introduce new acts and to entertain the audience between acts.

“Last year, four of us played the role of the emcee,” said Maggie Mallires, a senior in elementary education. “I had seen people do it before and some friends had done it, so I decided to try.”

Mallires enjoyed last year’s experience so much she is participating again this year in a skit that will be performed by Delta Delta Delta and Delta Tau Delta.

The skit has a cast and crew of about 30 and will take place in a Las Vegas casino.

“It’s a great learning experience — getting in front of people and performing,” Mallires said. “It’s also a great way to get involved with the university and meet people.”

All Varieties performances are judged by a group of people from the community that have knowledge in performing arts, Jones said.

There are three performances: first cut, second cut and the Sweepstakes.

The first cut will be held this fall and gives everyone at least one chance to perform, Jones said. There is an elimination to nine skits, three emcee groups and several vignettes.

These groups go on to the second cut. From there, the top three skits and the best emcee are accompanied by the vignettes to the Sweepstakes.

“It can be pretty competitive,” Jones said.

Deadlines are approaching. For more information, contact Varieties Central Committee Director Laurine Gilbert at 268-1534.