Curtains up: How Singarama keeps Lipscomb’s spirit center stage

The stage lights glow inside Collins Alumni Auditorium and, for a moment, the crowd falls quiet.

Then the music hits. Voices rise, choreographed steps land in rhythm and sequined costumes flash under the lights. Backstage, performer Gracie Acht grips her teammate’s hands before rushing onstage.

“It’s the one night where everything you’ve worked for all semester comes to life,” said Acht, a freshman exercise science major from Jacksonville, Florida. “You’re exhausted, you’re nervous, but nothing beats the excitement.”

Since 1964, Singarama has brought students together through a Broadway-style competition filled with singing, dancing and storytelling.

The annual event has grown into one of Lipscomb University’s most anticipated traditions, drawing students, alumni and families to Collins Alumni Auditorium each year.

Singarama involves months of rehearsals, late nights and collaboration. Students audition, form groups and spend weeks refining every note and step.

Faculty members say that transformation is part of the experience. Landon Parrish, assistant dean of Student Engagement, has seen Singarama from both behind the scenes and in the audience.

“It’s been an honor to participate in the process of putting together Singarama,” Parrish said. “This student life tradition is one I always look forward to, and I’m always proud of all the students involved.”

At its core, Singarama is competitive. Judges score groups on vocals, choreography and overall performance.

Still, many students say the relationships formed during rehearsals matter more than the final rankings.

“It’s not really about winning,” Acht said. “It’s about the people you’re doing it with. You form friendships that last way beyond the show.”

Alumni often return to watch performances, and families fill the arena seats each year. Regardless of whether former students support the show from the audience or from afar, each has special memories of the event.

2010 Lipscomb graduate Kelsey Leslie reminisces on her memories of Singarama.

“Singarama is the quintessence of springtime at Lipscomb” Leslie said. “I remember the campus buzzing with excitement.”

As the final performance ends and the last note echoes through Allen Arena, performers gather on stage, arms around each other, waiting for the results. Some are laughing, others wiping away tears.

But when they announce the winners, the reaction is the same across the stage. Cheers, hugs, and a shared sense of accomplishment wash over everyone in the room.

Acht stood with her group. She glanced out at the crowd one last time before rushing away through the aisles.

“Even though we didn’t win, realizing it was over was the saddest part,” she said. “But at the same time, it never really is. All the memories and friends that come out of the experience make it live on.”