Tickets for Zeta Zigga Zamma’s fourth annual production of Zing, the unofficial fraternity’s version of All-University Sing, are on sale now. The show, which will be Friday at 9 p.m., will consist of a large variety of acts, culminating in a Sing-style act called “Herculezzz” featuring the new members of the organization.
As a Zing chair, San Antonio sophomore John Abiassi helped put together “Herculezzz,” creating the theme, major plot points and some choreography. Abiassi said the new members had a lot of autonomy in putting together the act, so his main role was to “facilitate the creative process.”
Abiassi served in a similar role earlier this year as a student producer for several Sing acts. He said that the main difference between Sing and Zing is that there’s no pressure to make Pigskin, which allows the performers to focus on having fun.
“Zing is a lot less stressful,” Abiassi said. “There’s no competition; there isn’t any hostility in the room. It’s a different sort of environment.”
Abiassi said he doesn’t consider Zing a parody or a “watered-down version” of Sing. He sees the show as an outlet for creative expression and a way to raise money for Mission Waco, ZZZ’s philanthropy, through ticket sales.
Houston junior Patrick Reinschmidt will be a Zing master of cermemonies this year. He said that being part of last year’s act helped him bond with other new members, who are required to perform as part of their initiation.
“A lot of my close friends in ZZZ now are actually from the original dance group I got put with,” Reinschmidt said. “You’re spending two hours, three times a week with these guys, so it’s a great way to meet people.”
Reinschmidt said Zing is also open to performers who aren’t members of the organization. Last year, Baylor’s improv group, Guerilla Troupe, performed a set, and a freshman girl sang an original song about living in Collins.
“We have some pretty good stuff lined up,” Reinschmidt said. “With Z’s, you never really know what you’re going to get.”
Reinschmidt’s fellow master of ceremonies, Leander junior Will Stauber, agreed that Zing acts have a wide variety of talents and skill levels, ranging from silly to serious. Audience members can expect musical numbers, magic acts and comedic skits and videos.
“It’s so weird because one moment you’ll have two guys doing a dance in nothing but short shorts,” Stauber said, “and then the next minute you’ll have one of the guys up there singing a really good song on the guitar.”
Stauber said he’s been involved with Zing since he became a new member his freshman year. He said he’s watched the tradition of Zing grow from a small show to a campuswide tradition.
His freshman year, Stauber said the group performed in the Jubilee Theatre, but this year, Zing will take place at the Midway Performing Arts Center. Stauber said the larger facility and improvement in resources has helped the group put on a better quality production.
Zing tickets are still available for $5 online and will also be available for purchase at the door unless the event sells out online.
