That’s right, folks; it’s been here before and it’s back again for another exciting year. Plattsburgh State’s Night of Nations is a one night event that kicks off International Education Week during the month of November. The event is where international students from across campus come together in one memorable and united showcase.
Auditions for this year’s Night of Nations will be held on Sept. 25 and 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Cardinal Lounge. Contact is required to register specific time slots on both days. Admission is free and open to the public, but printed tickets will be found at the Angell College Center Information Desk, closer to the scheduled event.
Clubs like the Chinese Association, V-Nation, Korean Association and more, prepare specific routines and performances to show special pieces of their culture to the Plattsburgh community. Many past performances included a variety of acts from an average of about 140 student performers and 800 audience members each year, practically filling the Glitz Auditorium.
Home to over 300 international students from more than 60 different countries, according to PSUC”s official website, PSUC is crawling with new and cultural talent. Sponsored by the Global Education Office, Club International, Student Association, and College Auxiliary Services, Night of Nations is now in its 11th successful year.
With a rigorous rehearsal schedule, the show debuts on Saturday, Nov. 11.
The Leadership Team is looking for a number of routines from all types of students; dance performances to instrumental music, martial arts, stand-up comedy or even something educationally fun on culture are all welcomed and encouraged during the audition process. Any student with a talent that shows a different aspect of their culture is welcome to audition. MC positions are also available for students interested in narrating the show.
More importantly, the main goal is to entertain but also teach the campus community with a showcase that’s fun and exciting, yet traditional and contemporary.
“Helping organize Night of Nations really feels like I’m giving myself the ability to help others give voice to their cultures,” said Public Relations Coordinator Janelle Burgos, who has been been apart of GEO for almost a year and has participated in past showcases.
“A lot of students, particularly the international community, come here and sometimes they feel like they don’t have any ability to talk about their culture, where they’re from, and they feel silenced. So helping to organize this activity is like giving them the voices they never had.”
“It’s a bridge between the international community and the Plattsburgh community,” said Logistics Coordinator Sujin An. “I think Night of Nations is a great way for the people to explore and see something new about [other] countries and what international students bring to the school and community.”
According to Artistic Director Hoan Ngo, this year’s Night of Nations theme is the concept of Wonderland. Just like Alice and her journey down the rabbit hole, international students stumble upon Plattsburgh, searching for who they are and where they fit in. And through new and exciting adventures, they discover that everything they could possibly want for their future is right here on campus.
Night of Nations is a campus favorite for not only the international students, but for any student looking to enhance their worldview. Whether you want to make a statement with your cultural background, or just want to have another new experience on campus, mark the date in your calendars for a night of enlightenment. From past expectations and the new talent already here under the surface, this event is surely one you don’t want to miss.
Email Emma Vallelunga at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
