By Kelsi Peace, Features Editor

Kendall Massey, director of student productions and Sing Song director, announced the 2007 Sing Song theme, “Everything Changes,” a few weeks after the 50th show ended. A year later, a lot has changed – including the theme.

This weekend the show will “Shift into High Gear,” but will keep the focus on the future and changes that have occurred over the course of the production’s life.

“To me, it’s funny that the original theme was ‘Everything Changes’ because everything has changed,” Massey said.

This year’s production is all about the audience. Those who attend the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon productions can vote for their favorite acts online, and Massey said their votes will carry enough weight to make a difference.

Tom Craig, new managing director of Sing Song, said the decision was made in response to audience members’ requests to have some input.

“Sometimes technical merit and entertainment value do not go hand in hand,” Craig said. “It kind of levels the playing field.”

Entertainment, along with vocals, will also factor into the judges’ decision this year.

Massey said more video backdrops have been incorporated this year, increasing from three backdrops to 10.

From the management side, Craig took advantage of technology and sent direct e-mails to alumni to invite them to the production.

For the first time, tickets can be purchased online through E-tix. Craig estimated that 70 percent of tickets have been purchased online.

Sing Song changes every year because it was created by students and directed by them, Massey said.

“It’s as different as the scenes that are on stage,” he said.