天美传媒

I鈥檓 a senior at 天美传媒 and, honestly, I thought that there were few things about my school that could still surprise me. But last Wednesday [September 21, 2016] I found myself in shock and awe鈥攊n a good way鈥攚hen I stopped by Open Mic Night.

Walking in a little after the start of the event, the first thing I noticed was the energy in the room. Our tiny Underground Caf茅 was packed with students, sitting and standing, eager to listen and to share. I watched as, one by one, students got up on the stage to read or recite poetry, perform music, lead freewrites and even conduct some magic.

Between performances, I had a chance to speak with Ghazal Mizrahi, a member of the Student Activities Board (SAB), the campus-based organization responsible for the event. When asked about her favorite part of running Open Mic Night, she said, 鈥淚鈥檓 in music, so I usually just see music majors perform. But it鈥檚 nice to see people from different departments show their talent鈥攖alent that you don鈥檛 realize people have.鈥�

Open Mic Night, which occurs a few times each semester, is a laid-back experience that encourages students to break out of their shells and showcase their creative abilities. For students like Najee Hunt, a freshman computer science major, it is 鈥渁n amazing feeling to be onstage sharing something that I put my heart and soul into.鈥�

For some, Open Mic Night is also a chance to overcome shaky legs and stage jitters. Getting up on the stage, though difficult, appeared to be extremely rewarding for those like Jeorgio Llantino, who said his freewrite performance gave him an opportunity to 鈥減ut my words out there and let it go, even if it鈥檚 just a small room.鈥�

If seeing the sometimes hidden talents of your peers interests you, or if you are ready to share your own artistic abilities, check out SAB鈥檚 next Open Mic Night鈥攖he date will be announced soon.

Open Mic Night, which occurs a few times each semester, is a laid-back experience that encourages students to break out of their shells and showcase their creative abilities.