The Union Program Council is back with many events this semester, most of which are free to the studens with a valid student ID.
Program Coordinator Avery Smith said the events should cater to everyone, because they encompass music, speakers and theater.
The events started Aug. 31, with Late Night LSU at the Student Union and continue Saturday with the International Tailgate, he said.
The program, which will run from 4 to 6 p.m., will introduce international students from other countries to the American experience of tailgating.
Bewitched, an event featuring the hypnotherapist Sellesh, will be presented in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Student Union on Oct. 4, Smith said.
Sellesh, an entertainer, has assisted thousands with hypnotherapy to break habits like smoking and crippling phobias, Smith said.
“[Sellesh’s shows] have been compared to a cross between a frat party and a huge concert with great music throughout the night,” he said.
The next Late Night LSU on Oct. 26 will feature the annual Poetry Slam competition. The winner would then represent the University in the Association of College Unions International Regional 12 Poetry Competition.
“Slamming is the competitive art of performance poetry. Poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience,” he said.
On Sept. 18, the UPC will host Iranian-American comedian Dan Ahdoot. His act consists of his real-life observations as a college graduate coupled with his upbringing as a first generation American, Smith said.
The UPC will present “The Hometown Comedy Hour” on Oct. 29 with performances by Tre Luv and Jen Kober. Both Luv and Kober are nationally known for major motion pictures and comedy competition, he said.
Back by popular demand, “Diva Nation 3: The Return of the Queens” will be hosted Nov. 15, he said. Local female impersonators will perform current hits from today’s top female acts in this energetic runway show.
On Nov. 2, the UPC will host a new stage adaptation of George Orwell’s “1984,” and 10 days later, students can enjoy ThinkFast, a large-scale trivia-based game show that utilizes a Fleetwood Wireless Keypad.
In addition to programming for a regular semester, UPC has plans for programs to be held in the future in the renovated areas of the Student Union.
“UPC has set aside funds to have weekly programs in the Live Oak Lounge, when that area is complete. This is done in hopes of creating a welcoming environment in the new space for all students,” he said.
Some students had mixed opinions about the UPC’s plans for the fall.
“Sounds like [the events] would be a lot of fun,” Shane David, engineering freshman said.
Michael Aubin, general studies freshman said, “It seems interesting, but I don’t have the time.”
One student said he has never been interested in UPC programming.
“I don’t go to any of these things. Never did, never will,” said Evan Pederson, finance senior.
—Contact Adam Pfleider at [email protected]