Opinion
On-campus television show ‘Focus’ using live audience
March 21, 2013
The UW-River Falls campus television show, Focus on U, is looking for new and returning audience members for their live-to-tape episodes held bimonthly in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building in room 111. If you enjoy not paying for excellent entertainment, this is the studio show for you. Focus on U is a quality student run show that shoots from 4:45 p.m until 6 p.m. every other Thursday, and the last three shows are fast approaching. To secure your seat as a member of the Focus on U audience, make sure to arrive promptly at 4:45 p.m. on either one or all of the remaining recording dates: April 11, and April 25.
However, you may be asking yourself: What if I clap at the wrong time? How does a studio show work? What if I have to leave half way? Will there be a camera in my view the entire time?
Well, at the beginning of a Focus on U show, you will be greeted by our audience organizer Jade Kaczmarski who will give you a rundown of how to be a proper audience member. Going into detail of the signals of when to clap and laugh.
Then, as soon as you have fully experienced a behind the scenes studio set up in all its glory – complete with microphone tests, camera focusing, and the host’s introduction practice runs – the director, Shane Donahue, will ask for quiet on the set and the show begins. From this point on there will be a lively banter of introduction between our host, Jon Lyksett, our announcer, Trevor Semann, and our news anchor, Rebecca Aanerud.
Then the show will progress into sequencing through a wide range of package segments varying in topic from informational on upcoming campus events, to artistic mock movie trailers, to the hilarious reoccurring Studio 113 (analogous to “The Office”). Inbetween these packages, we will cut to in-studio interviews conducted by our host, Lyksett. A couple of examples of those who have appeared on our shows this semester are Eoin Breadon, an assistant professor of art (specializing in glass) and a member of the Dance Theater show, Chris Adam. During these live interviews audience members must remain seated; however, if it is necessary for you to leave early we understand and just ask that you leave quietly during a package recording.
Last but most definitely not least, we will be closing with a musical talent from the area which can range in genre from rapping, folk, instrumental, heavy metal or country. If you are interested in being more than just an audience member and actually wish to be a part of Focus on U as a musical talent or interview guest, please contact our executive producer, Hallie Raisanen, at hallie.raisanen@my.uwrf.edu.
Now that you know what to expect as a member of a live studio audience please come join us at 4:45 p.m. in KFA’s Studio 111. We look forward to entertaining you with our next production of Focus on U.
Sydney Howell is a student at UW-River Falls.