Star Search and SODA
By Marissa Nelson
Sequined costumes and jazz hands can easily be associated with the show “Star Search.” This popular entertainment show has been a jumping-off point for pop icons Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Destiny’s Child. That leaves one to wonder what type of talent University Activities Board (UAB) discovered.
In partnership with Lansing Community College, UAB brought a show that was both entertaining for students and families alike. With the chairs moved into rows and a projector and speakers set up in the back it seemed like this show was going to be quite low budget but obviously worth it.
Imagine the shock on some audience member’s face when they learned that the show would be entirely in sign language.
The Signers & Others for Deaf Awareness (SODA) is an LCC student organization that is committed to the education of American Sign Language.
The performances were done entirely by members who were either students or qualified interpreters. The four groups that performed varied from a solo act to that of a quintet. The most popular acts of the night were a KISS cover band and a performance of the “Men in Black” theme song by a middle aged white man who would make Will Smith proud.
Each entertainer was perfectly choreographed. Along with costumes, the most elaborate being KISS, the performance wasn’t all about putting on a good show, but rather about music interpretation.
One of SODA’s main goals is to teach and learn music interpretation conceptually. They are interested in how they can sign during the lyrics but also continually sign during parts where it is entirely musical.
The show put on in the Union was just a sneak peak to an even bigger show that SODA is sponsoring on February 12. The tickets for this performance are $5 for individuals and $10 for families. The money raised by the show is reinvested into making the next year’s performance bigger and better. There was enough wiggle room from last year’s show to afford sign master Marta Belsky, who is an ASL coordinator for the Deaf Education program.
This extraordinary Star Search isn’t out to find the next big idol, or for that matter have a winner of their show. The performers and audience members are both winners in this production. Entertainment is provided and everyone has the opportunity to become more aware of the deaf and hearing impaired community.
Fascinating! I hope the community supports this Organization. I know I am intrigued and would love to see this production.