By Brittany Brand

Freshmen prepare for a night of entertainment as Freshman Follies kicks off the 2009-10 school year to the tune of “Peace, Love and Follies” this weekend.

“Students are taking that in all different directions,” said Tom Craig, director of student productions. “It is going to be a lot of fun and a lot of energy. Everybody will enjoy the show.”

Four freshman co-chairs are responsible for ensuring the show runs smoothly: Carly Branscum, journalism and mass communication major from Fort Worth; Zak Kroeger, exercise science major from Tempe, Ariz.; Allison Roche, youth and family ministry major from The Woodlands; and Carole-Marie Wiser, youth and family ministry major from Richmond.

The co-chair positions were publicized during Welcome Week, and interviews were conducted during the first week of school. Student productions personnel selected the final four.

Kroeger said the co-chairs are responsible for holding auditions for the specialty acts, planning rehearsals and getting props and music together. They are also allowed to participate in the acts if they choose.

“Once it all gets put together, it’s going to be fun,” Kroeger said.

There will be 14 hall acts and seven specialty acts this year. Specialty acts give students an opportunity to demonstrate a particular talent, such as singing or dancing, and students had to audition for a spot during the first week of school. Hall acts are open to any resident on that hall, allowing everyone to participate.

“I’m estimating that 700 to 800 students are involved,” Craig said.

The shows will take place in Cullen Auditorium on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets are $10 – or $5 with a valid student ID – and are available in the Campus Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m Friday. Tickets for all performances can also be purchased online or at the door.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.acu.edu/follies.