OUR HISTORY

Singarama's debut was February 3, 1964, staged by the six social clubs which were started on campus to replace class distinctions. Coba Craig, the first Singarama director, was given a standing ovation from the first Singarama, Club Chante'. The first winning act was produced by the Gammas (at this time each act was 15 minutes).

After a few successful years, one of the most unusual aspects of Singarama history took place. There were two Singarama shows in the calendar year. Due to the busyness of Spring semester, the Singarama staff attempted to move the show to the Fall semester; however, this change was short-lived. In the school year of 1967-68, Singarama returned to its Spring date requested by popular demand.

This was the first year “friends” (students who are not members of social clubs) participated in Singarama.

Singarama went to two performances and lengthened each individual act to 25 minutes.

A third performance was introduced along with the decision to charge admission.

As participation increased, so did the audience. A year later, a fourth performance, a Saturday Matinee, was added.

To honor the then President Willard Collins, individual awards were given out. “The Willards” awards were distributed to those who demonstrated excellence in Singarama.

For the first time, campus-wide auditions were held to select hosts for the production. Kevin Arvin and Sherilyn Harless had the honor of being the first Singarama hosts.

'80

Singarama celebrated its 20th anniversary with the winning act, Frontierland, directed by John Balentine.

'83

Sarah Keith Gamble became Singarama's coordinator after serving as assistant coordinator for a number of years.

'85

Singarama: An Anniversary Celebration was the theme for the show's 25th anniversary, as the four groups offered gifts of Diamonds, Gold, Pearl, and Silver. A special feature of this anniversary year was the first appearance of four hosts.

'88

We celebrated 30 years of Singarama with the theme It’s Showtime! Shane Hooper led the Comedy cast to victory.

'93

In celebration of 35 years of Classic Singarama we presented three popular themes of the past: Romance, Adventure, and Mystery. Andrea Spencer's Adventure act captured first place.

Melissa Lancaster joined us as Director of the Hosts, and we celebrated by selecting 6 hosts: Laura Ellis, Jonathan Hardison, Aaron Johnson, Chris Lindsey, Vicki VanAcker and Mandy Wilson

The production’s theme was Milestones: Celebrating 40 Years of Singarama! featuting Memories, Celebrations, and Dreams as Andrea Calhoun's Celebrations captured first place.

'08

We celebrated 45 years of Singarama with A Play on Words as we explored Since, Cents, and Sense. Tyler Browning and his cast of pirates captured the Sweepstakes trophy for Some Change Will Do You Good. Many thanks to the Otter Creek Church of Christ for hosting Singarama 2008 while Collins Alumni Auditorium was being renovated.

'09 '10 '13 '15 '20

We returned to a newly-renovated Collins Alumni Auditorium to present Branded, which featured three popular marketing slogans Don't Leave Home Without It, The Best Part of Waking Up, and Can You Hear Me Now? The Best Part of Waking Up, directed by Katie Callis, was declared the winning show.

For the first time in the show's history 8 Hosts and Hostesses took the stage: Mariel Bolton, Josh Britt, Zack Green, Carter Hamric, Mallory Haynes, Allison Lancaster, Carter Martin, and Joe Muchmore!

Celebrating 50 years of Singarama with the theme: Timeless. David Grayson directed the winning act: No Day But Today. Kelsea Ballerini, a now country music singer and songwriter, served as a host for Singarama in 2012 and 2013.

The acts started using a video board as the backdrops for their sets. Before this year, students would paint large canvas sheets to act as their scenery.

Due to the uncertainty at the start of the pandemic, Singarama was cancelled. Despite the disappointment that this cancellation brought, it was necessary to take precautionary measures and follow guidelines.

Singarama went virtual. Due to health and safety precautions, we did not have the capacity to bring Singarama fully back in-person. Acts practiced through out the Spring semester and performed for an empty Collins Auditorium and film crew. Although it was sad to not have an audience, the students worked hard to provide an incredible, but virtual show.

A year later, Singarama was fully back in-person! We had an incredible production with an increase in participation and refound love for Singarama.

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Singarama! We can’t wait for you to see the dazzling and marvelous productions the students have prepared for you! We are so proud to present Singarama: The Diamond Anniversary.

'22 '23