By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor

The production staff for Sing Song 2003 was chosen before the Christmas break through applications and interviews.

About 35 students are on staff, serving in a variety of jobs from managing to advertising.

The staff met last semester, and will begin working and meeting more frequently as Sing Song nears.

The freshman ushers had an interest meeting on Monday and will begin rehearsals next week, along with the children’s team. Ticket sales began Wednesday, both in the Moody Coliseum ticket window and online.

“I am so blessed to have a wonderful volunteer Production Staff,” said Phyllis Wilson, director of student productions. “This show is entirely too big for one or two people to accomplish on their own. It takes an entire team, and Sing Song 2003 Infinite Joy has a phenomenal team.”

Elliot Pittman, senior psychology major from Austin and upstage manager, expressed an interest in the position last year and is in charge of all the class and club acts.

He makes sure they keep up with their due dates and goes to practices to make sure there are no problems.

“Upstage manager is a very demanding job, taking care of the needs of the majority of the cast members,” Wilson said.

Chrissy White, downstage manager and junior management major from Round Rock, oversees security, house ticket sales, freshman ushers and judges.

White was previously the house manager for Sing Song 2002 and has been on the production staff since her freshman year.

“Everything is looking good, and I’m working with great people who have everything under control,” White said. “Now that ticket sales have started, things are really going to get rolling, and everyone is already working hard.”

Jackie Beth Shilcutt, junior missions major from Abilene assisting with the freshman ushers’ act, said, “I’m really excited about the friendships the freshmen are going to develop and that will continue to develop over the next four years.”