By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor

Shades, an on-campus step squad, is conducting talent show auditions on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium for its spring talent show.

The auditions are open to the entire community, including students from Hardin-Simmons and McMurry universities.

“This is a way for people to showcase their talents,” said Tavia Robertson, junior agriculture and business major from Baytown and Shades head captain.

People who audition can do anything from poetry or comedy to dancing, singing or rapping, Robertson said.

They will be judged by a panel of four judges, two from on campus and two parents, all having no connection to Shades.

The first and second place contestants at the audition will receive $100 and $75, respectively.

Shades sponsored a talent show in the fall that attracted a full house.

“We’re expecting the same, if not more, for this show,” Robertson said.

The talent show will take place on at 7:30 p.m. May 3 in Cullen Auditorium.

The 20 members of Shades have advertised at all three Abilene universities and have been on local television news for the work they do with a volunteer service called “Project Pass.”

In “Project Pass,” Shades members go to the alternative school in Abilene once a week to spend time with junior high students who have a hard time functioning in a normal school environment.

They teach them the basics of stepping and have the opportunity to be mentors and give back to the community, Robertson said.