| Theatre of Ted brings community together for nights of talent |
 |
 |
| Written by Brittany Tepper, Daily Vidette Reporter |
| Sunday, 16 September 2012 16:00 |
|
It’s midnight on a Saturday and the Quad may be dead, but nestled between the Center for Visual Arts and Center for Performing Arts, Centennial West 301 is full of energy and plenty of “enthusiastic applause.” Theatre of Ted is a student run open mic night where anything goes. “It’s as open and welcoming as an open mic you would see at a coffee shop, but unlike that we just don’t get musical acts here. We have people do monologues, dance pieces, people who hold their breath. It’s really anything goes, and that leads to some wild and crazy stuff,” Eli Van Sickel, host of Theatre of Ted, said.The theme of last Saturday’s Theatre of Ted was “Challenge Accept-TED,” and the night was loosely based on the television show “How I Met Your Mother.” Van Sickel made plenty of HIMYM references and gave out “legen … dary” challenges. These challenges ranged from celebrating a part of your body that you’re usually ashamed of to proposing to someone you never met. A different theme is presented each week and announced through the group’s very active Facebook account. Acts range from hysterical to serious, and audience members are never quite sure what will happen next. One of last Saturday’s opening acts was a “hula hoop contest with Tony and Angie.” Angie hula hooped blindfolded while Tony named off super heroes. Tony quickly lost the contest and had to put on lipstick as a consolation. Other memorable performances included a theatrical reading of the Black Eyed Peas’ song, “Imma be,” and a guy trying to put as much stuff in his large curly hair as possible. Jason and the Argonauts, an energetic and also slightly offensive band, sang a song as well. Pete Guither, faculty adviser for Theatre of Ted, said people who come to Theatre of Ted should be prepared to be offended.
“Because Theatre of Ted is something where anything goes, people are going to be trying new things. Sometimes it’s going to be offensive, but it’s part of it too … You have got to come with an open mind,” Guither said. “We get so wrapped up in being successful. ‘Dare to suck’ is encouraging people to take risks. It’s taking risks and not being afraid to fail and get responses such as, ‘that sucked,’” Van Sickel said. Theatre of Ted was started in 1990 by a group of students who wanted a venue to try new things without being graded or judged.
It has now grown into a recognized RSO with guest artist events, sponsored plays and a yearly four square marathon. Although the origin of the name is not known, the group knows there was never a Ted involved. Ted is the idea that you should never be afraid to fail.
“It’s something new and fun to check out if you are out looking for something that’s not quite the bar or party scene, that might be a little different. I would recommend people come at least once and see if it’s their bag or not,” Van Sickel said.
|
