By Eric Preisler
Production Manager
The Student Finance Board met for its first weekly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6, and voted to partially fund two events for the fall semester.
SFB decided to partially fund TCNJ Musical Theatre’s fall production of “Sweeney Todd,” which will take place from Tuesday, Nov. 14, to Saturday, Nov. 18. TMT received $14,279.50 from SFB for sound, set, lighting, costumes, props, hair and makeup, stage management, programs, Kendall staff charges and rental instruments, and accompanist costs.
“We have a very talented membership, and we are lucky to have a strong cast of actors for ‘Sweeney Todd’ since so many incredible people auditioned,” said Cat Janis, a senior psychology and women’s, gender and sexuality studies double major and TMT’s president. ‘Sweeney Todd’ is a musical thriller, and (composer Stephen) Sondheim’s music combined with the unique vision of this specific production is sure to delight the audience. I’m excited for us to put on a bit of a darker show, and to showcase a different style of music and storytelling than we’ve done in recent years.”
While “Sweeney Todd” is a different style than TMT is used to performing, the club is excited to meet the challenge of a darker production.
“I think the cast and production staff is going to tackle ‘Sweeney Todd’ in such a way that brings out our problem solving skills and will really develop ourselves as creatives and create an impressive experience for our audience,” said Kelly Ganning, a junior graphic design major and TMT’s publicist.
The Muslim Student Association was funded $10,923.76 for its 12th annual Eid Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Decker Social Space.
The budget will cover the costs of food, speaker fees, utilities, wristbands, a backdrop and accommodations for a guest speaker.
The Eid-al-Adha holiday celebrates the sacrifice Abraham made for God, and marks the end of Haj, a pilgrimage to Mecca.
“With this event, we hope to educate the TCNJ community of a religion that is usually falsely cast with negative connotation. We hope to come together as a campus and stand united against prejudices with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and diverse cuisine,” MSA explained in its proposal.
The Eid-al-Adha holiday celebration will highlight the College’s diversity and educate people about Islamic traditions.
“It’s important to celebrate the diversity we have at TCNJ. A lot of people might not know too much about Eid or Islam in general so it’s nice to have an event that not only celebrates one of our most important religious holidays, but also informs people while having a good time,” said Roshaan Iqbal, MSA Treasurer and a junior biology major. “We can’t say too much about the guest speaker because contracts aren’t signed, but she is a well-known journalist and activist.”
Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.
