University students across campus are stricken with a nationwide phenomenon — “Glee” fever. Symptoms include breaking into song and the uncontrollable urge to dance.Ratings for the insanely popular FOX series “Glee” have been climbing steadily, with more than 13.7 million viewers tuning in for the April 13 return of the first season. Some University students recently submitted auditions for a nationwide casting call in hopes of filling one of the three new roles for the show’s upcoming second season.”I heard that they were having an online casting call. Since I watch the show, I decided to go for it,” said Shelley Regner, theater junior. Regner said she’s been singing and dancing since she was 5 years old. She auditioned with the song “Don’t Rain on My Parade.””I’ve always been interested in theater and musicals,” she said. “I feel like I’ve got the talent to make it and pursue a career in this area.” Chelsea Hebert, psychology sophomore, also auditioned with “Don’t Rain on My Parade.””Anybody who watches the show or knows me knows it’s my cup of tea,” she said. “I’ve watched every episode of the show, and I’ve been singing for about 12 years,” she said. Hebert said her friends encouraged her to audition.”One of my best friends made a Facebook fan group that has over 800 people in it now,” she said. “But I’m not getting my hopes up … It’s like buying a lottery ticket — my chances are slim to none.”Alex Boutte, mass communication senior, said he auditioned because he has always wanted a shot at professional acting.”I’ve done theater stuff before, and I watch the show,” he said. “I wouldn’t call myself a singer, but I think I could make it — I’ve watched some of the other videos, and they’re pretty terrible.”Since March 30, amateur and professional performers age 16 to 26 have had the chance to submit audition videos on MySpace with  personal statements saying why they should be chosen and performances of one of the songs featured in the first half of the season.Voters can watch the videos and give a “gold star” to their favorite contestant.The producers extended the audition process until April 26 as a result of the demand. So far, 28,000 videos have been submitted.”Gleeks” on CampusThe University is home to many “Gleeks,” as the show’s devoted fans are often called. “I’m a sucker for musicals,” said Carol Ann Bryant, English freshman. “I think the performance aspect is really starting to become more mainstream.”Bryant has watched the show since its pilot episode last May. The plot has been criticized for being predictable and ridden with every high school stereotype imaginable — struggles for acceptance, cliques of snobby cheerleaders and teen pregnancy — but the show’s satirical approach and impressive choreography keep audiences coming back for more.”I love the Cheerios’ [cheerleading squad’s] coach, Sue Sylvester — she’s so mean,” said Camille Flournoy, history sophomore. “And the dance numbers are awesome.”Each episode features the cast’s rendition of a hit song, like REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me.”Sean Garrison, elementary education freshman, said he likes the current music in the show.”The show is really funny,” he said. “The episode about the football player who sang ‘Single Ladies’ got me hooked.”Glee’s SuccessThe show, written by the creator of “Nip/Tuck,” focuses on an Ohio high school glee club taken over by an optimistic Spanish teacher as he attempts to restore the group to its former glory. Broadway stars Lea Michele (“Spring Awakening”) and Matthew Morrison (“Hairspray”) bring their talent to the show as the main characters, each hoping to get their big break and win acceptance.The soundtrack has already sold more than 2 million song downloads on iTunes. “Glee: The Music: Volume Three,” which features seven songs from “The Power of Madonna” episode, recently reached the No. 4 spot on the Billboard 200. Although it’s still in its first season, the series won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy — and had three additional nominations.Janae’ London, elementary education freshman, said she’s looking forward to the upcoming Lady Gaga episode.”It’s really different from other stuff on TV, and I like that,” she said.Choirs on CampusFor students who can’t make it on the show, there are several campus organizations dedicated to singing and performing.Tiger Glee Club, the oldest choir on campus, is a non-auditioned chorus comprised of men from all academic disciplines within the University. Michael Trotta, director of Tiger Glee Club, also called The Men’s Chorus, said the group performs a wide variety of music in the traditional four-part choral style.”It’s a great way to get onstage and perform,” Trotta said. “Anything [performers] need to learn, we teach them along the way.”The Women’s Chorus is also non-auditioned and performs various programs throughout the year. They were recently invited to sing at the Louisiana American Choral Directors’ Association Convention.”It’s a wonderful musical and social outlet,” said Katia Madsen, director of chorus. “It’s a great way to meet new people and new friends.”Madsen said she has never watched “Glee,” but she’s heard buzz about the show.  Meanwhile, hopefuls like Regner will have to wait for the final decisions.”Who knows what’s going to happen,” she said. “If I make it, awesome. If I don’t, I’ll just finish my degree.”The show airs Tuesday nights on FOX at 8 p.m. CST.—-Contact Elizabeth Clausen at [email protected].