Ciara Benham
Staff Writer
cbenham@murraystate.edu
In its 40th year, the Mr. MSU pageant is going virtual in light of COVID-19. This pageant is one of Alpha Omicron Pi’s biggest philanthropy events, but this year the “The Wild Western Men of MSU” themed event met more obstacles than ever before.
Junior Katie Comeaux, the philanthropy chair of Alpha Omicron Pi, was in for a ride as she was tasked with organizing the 2020 Mr. MSU pageant. In March, Comeaux began preparing for the event by gathering nominations from the various fraternities on campus.
After the fraternities submitted their nominations, the contestants were contacted and Alpha Omicron Pi began building their show. The show saw a lot of changes as the summer progressed.
“We switched venues, we went from a live audience to a live stream to a completely virtual video, and we lost judges and contestants,” Comeaux said. “Virtual or online communication was what changed the most. Not being able to share the information and details in person with the contestants, my sisters, or other organizations made this the hardest event I have ever put together.”
In order to make a complete show that would be safe for all involved, each contestant was required to go through an online process.
“Every aspect of the show was personally filmed and sent to me,” Comeaux said. “With the new Greek life and COVID-19 restrictions, this was the only feasible option to still have a show this year.”
The contestants were asked to send in three different videos and write an email interview that were compiled into the show’s final video.
First, Comeaux sent the contestants five different questions to help the judges better understand their personality and character. The contestant’s responses were then forwarded to the judging panel. Next, each contestant had to film an introduction video that consisted of a few dance moves or poses.
“They also filmed their talents and the formal wear section of the competition,” Comeaux said. “This week we are compiling all of their videos along with some videos from our senior members and junior members to make the show.”
This year’s Mr. MSU has its fair share of similarities and differences to the show’s traditional format. While Alpha Omicron Pi is still able to put on a show this year, they were not able to meet in person at all, which changes the whole show.
Traditionally, the boys in the show spend a few nights, along with the junior members, learning a choreographed dance for the opening number.
“This year these parts weren’t able to happen,” Comeaux said. “This is also a wonderful week to spend time with your best friends and sisters and make many memories. With COVID-19, this was unattainable.”
Despite these obstacles, the virtual pageant does have its benefits. Since the show is now online, the event can reach beyond just the Murray community. Anyone who purchases a general admission ticket can watch the show from the link that Alpha Omicron Pi sends out.
The 2020 Mr. MSU pageant will be on Friday, Sept. 11, and the link to the show will be sent out at 7 p.m. and will be available for viewing anytime after that. General admission and raffle tickets are available for purchase on Alpha Omicron Pi’s Crowd Change website.