Warm up your vocal chords and practice those high notes because “The Voice” is coming to Washburn with the chance to win $1,000.

The adapted competition will look similar to the popular television show, but will allow Washburn students to showcase their vocal talents. Those who want to compete must sign up in the Office of Student Involvement and Development (OSID) which is located on the main level of the Memorial Union by Sept. 29, 2021.

Contestants will go through four rounds of competition, which will all take place in Washburn A/B in the Memorial Union.

Auditions – Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.
Round 1 – Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
Round 2 – Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.
The Finale – Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend each round and watch the contestants perform. OSID will need at least 18 contestants to sign up, or the event will have to be cancelled.

Contestants will be judged by three members of Washburn administration and faculty: Eric Grospitch, vice-president of student life, Joseph DeSota, executive administrator of academic affairs, and Julie Noonan, assistant professor of theatre.

“Like the show, once the students are selected, they will meet with a coach and go through song selection for the week and practice,” said Isaiah Collier, director of student involvement and development at Washburn.

Washburn’s version of “The Voice” will imitate many facets of the original show, but will not allow spectator voting. Collier got the idea for this event from his previous job at Missouri Western University, where they have done it for many years now.

“Students love the chance to win $1,000, but it’s also a great opportunity to showcase students’ talent,” Collier said.

“We have a lot of talented students on campus,” Grospitch said. ”This is going to be a really fun opportunity for students to showcase their talents in a unique way (to Washburn).”

Edited by Kyle Manthe and Alyssa Storm