PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present a night of comedy and talent when it hosts UMPI’s First Annual Variety Show on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium in Wieden Hall.
This family-friendly show will feature acts by students, faculty and staff, and will be hosted by Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, actor, and voice actor Justin Rupple. The event is free and open to the public.
“We wanted to host this event to showcase some of the great talent we have right here at UMPI and wanted to add an extra layer of entertainment by having Justin Rupple emcee the event,” Violet Washburn, UMPI coordinator of campus engagement, said. “Justin Rupple is hilarious and the acts we have lined up are excellent.”
Rupple’s impressions were featured on the USA show “First Impressions” with Dana Carvey. He also appeared in the film “Operation Chromite” alongside Liam Neeson and voiced the character Tuffnut in the movie “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.”
Ten acts will spotlight a wide range of talents, including singing, dancing, musicianship, slam poetry and yo-yo tricks. There will also be an act featuring the three-stringed Greek lyra and another showcasing a contortionist.
Four judges, with representation from faculty, staff, students and alumni, will select best overall act and most original act. Those attending will determine the audience choice act.
UMPI’s Business Club will provide popcorn and candy concessions as a fundraiser. The Student Activities Office will raffle off a “Best Seat in the House” package and an UMPI-inspired gift basket. Raffle tickets are free, though how attendees can get them will be revealed the night of the show.
“We’re so excited to bring this new event to the area and to offer up an evening with so many different types of entertainment woven in,” Washburn said. “This is truly a family affair and we encourage everyone to come on out and enjoy the show.”
For more information, contact Washburn at 768-9582 or umpi-engagement@maine.edu.
Submitted by the Community and Media Relations Office of the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
