Each year during Homecoming week, various musical groups and organizations look forward to the Kastle Kapers performance. This year, the performance takes place today, Friday Oct. 10. in Neumann Auditorium.
With over a dozen performances, Kastle Kapers has a variety for the audience to enjoy. From music, dances and even comedy, the show welcomes viewers of all ages.
Second-year Abra Freeman, the Executive Director for Kastle Kapers shares that she is most excited to be taken back to her high school days by the Midnight Jazz performance during the first act of the show.
“They are performing a song that I did back in high school,” Freeman says. “All of our acts this year are phenomenal. They make you laugh; they make you cry, I’m just really excited for every single one of them.”
With an executive director role, Freeman spends her time during the show everywhere but in the audience. From backstage with the Neumann Crew to being in the balcony with performers, she witnesses the show from each angle. Freeman spent the weeks leading up to the show managing acts, promoting the event and contacting performers.
“I make sure that everything gets held together, I’m kind of like that communication point,” Freeman says. “Making sure everyone has what they need and assigning roles to my committee.”
Second-year Sydney Lukes, who has been on the homecoming committee for both of her years on campus, chose to work specifically on Kastle Kapers committee this year. Lukes shares that her personal connection to performing is what makes Kastle Kapers important for her.
“Seeing all of the acts performing, as someone that does perform, it is so much fun to see other people’s talents. It’s not just singing and dancing, it’s the comedy acts like the Jesters,” Luke says.
Looking at the preparation that goes into a show as complex and populated as Kastle Kapers, Freeman shares that the credit cannot go entirely on the Kastle Kapers committee. Freeman says her gratitude goes out to everyone involved, but specifically those who spend the night moving sets, controlling lights and handling the behind-the-scenes work.
“Neumann Crew pulls the weight of the show. I would say that they are the heart of the show,” Freeman says, “I am Neumann Crew’s biggest fan right now, I absolutely love them.”
Lukes encourages the audience to soak in each performance thoroughly.
“Prepare to be blown away by the talent at Wartburg,” Lukes says.“A lot of these students, they’re in choirs, they’re involved in other things like this, but they’re kind of just another face that you see around campus. But when you see them on stage, it’s almost like watching a famous person, because they’re so good at what they do.”
Although she is excited for each performance, Freeman has already watched the show multiple times. Freeman is looking forward to the key difference between rehearsal and the live show, having the seats of Neumann Auditorium filled.
“I’m really looking forward to the audience’s reactions,” Freeman says. “One of my favorite things is when I’m backstage and then somebody will say something on stage and the audience will burst out laughing.”
Witness the Kastle Kapers performance for yourself tonight at 8:30 p.m. in Neumann Auditorium. Tickets are sold at the door for $5 per adult and $3 for those aged five to college.
