Why Theme Parties Are Always Better Than Normal Parties

Why Theme Parties Are Always Better Than Normal Parties

Halloween Isn’t The Only Excuse To Dress Up
Paige Breaux
Paige Breaux Nov 10, 2015
150
views

I have always felt that any kind of theme/costume party in college is way more exciting than your typical Friday night frat house bash. Rather than slip into the same old crop top and skinny jean combo for the 10th weekend in a row, themes give college students the chance to take a break from the seriousness of young adult life and feel like a kid at a birthday party again. So whether it’s a 70s disco, fancy masquerade ball, or Risky Business mixer, adding a theme to your night is always the way to go!

People Are Way More Likely to Go


Spending each weekend the same way you did the week before can get old super fast, and if you’re constantly inviting people over to dance to a mix the same 10 songs in the same gross basement, chances are a lot of people will eventually get bored with going out. Having a planned theme gives the night an instant boost of unique energy. It also makes your party way more memorable because guests actually have to get creative in planning out what they’re gonna wear/bring in advance.

Pre-Outfit Planning Bonding Sessions


“Can I borrow your cat ears tonight? “

“Sure, can I use your tie-dye pajama shirt for the 60s mixer next week? “

Getting ready with your girls for a theme party is way more fun than dressing up for a regular night on the town. In between swapping and telling stories about all your weird accessories from Halloween’s past, you’ll laugh at each other’s crazy makeup and have a blast coming up with a ton of group looks that’ll be sure to have all eyes on your squad!

Tons More Cute Pic Opportunities

Once your group is all dressed up, it’s time to show off your amazing creativity and sense of humor by taking a thousand photos with theatrical characters poses. Bonus points for reenacting the actual movie posters with your BFFs. Plus we all know you’re going to post them all on Instagram the next morning with the perfectly thought out caption punning your outfit.

Go-To Small Talk Options

Trying to keep the convo going with a cute boy but already exhausted the typical “what’s your major “chit-chat? If you’re at a loss for words, you can always fall back on the theme for a cute flirtation strategy. Ask him to explain why he chose that particular outfit. Even better make a memorable first impression by introducing yourself in character aka whip out the Valley Girl slang for an 80s bash or curtsey like a princess would at a real ball.

Nicer Snacks and Decorations

Chances are if the host went to the trouble of picking out a theme for the night that extra effort won’t just apply to the outfits. The best theme parties always have atmospheric decorations and adorable matching treats (usually taken from party planning Pintrest boards)

The Chance To Feel Like A Kid Again


Any opportunity to dress up is really an opportunity to become someone else for a night. It’s a fun occasion to forget about your own worries about midterms/work/friends and step into someone else’s shoes for a few hours. That’s why I always chose to go full out at any themed event. It’s not about looking hot or impressing anyone else. It’s about embracing that fairytale magic I felt during childhood.

Paige Breaux
Paige Breaux Nov 10, 2015
At Boston University

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Why High School Musicals Should Be As Respected As Sports Programs Are

The arts are important, too.
Duffy Zimmerman
Duffy Zimmerman Mar 20, 2017
305356
views

When I was in middle school and high school, I felt like I lived for the musicals that my school orchestrated.

For those of you who don't know, a musical is an onstage performance wherein actors take on roles that involve singing, and often dancing, to progress the plot of the story. While it may sound a little bit nerdy to get up in front of an audience to perform in this manner, this is something you cannot knock until you try it.

For some reason, though, many public schools have de-funded arts programs that would allow these musicals to occur, while increasing the funding for sports teams. There are a few things that are being forgotten when sports are valued more than musical programs in high schools.

Much like athletic hobbies, an actor must try-out, or audition, to participate in a musical. Those best suited for each role will be cast, and those who would not fit well are not given a part. While this may sound similar to trying out for say, basketball, it is an apples to oranges comparison.

At a basketball try-out, those who have the most experience doing a lay-up or shooting a foul shot will be more likely to succeed, no questions asked. However, for an audition, it is common to have to learn a piece of choreography upon walking in, and a potential cast member will be required to sing a selected piece with only a few days of preparation.

There are many more variables involved with an audition that makes it that much more nerve-racking.

The cast of a school musical will often rehearse for several months to perfect their roles, with only several nights of performance at the end. Many sports practice for three or four days between each of their respective competitions. While this may seem to make sports more grueling, this is not always the case.

Musicals have very little pay-off for a large amount of effort, while athletic activities have more frequent displays of their efforts.

Athletes are not encouraged to but are allowed to make mistakes. This is simply not allowed for someone in a musical, because certain lines or entrances may be integral to the plot.

Sometimes, because of all the quick changes and the sweat from big dance numbers, the stage makeup just starts to smear. Despite this, an actor must smile through it all. This is the part of musicals that no sport has: introspection.

An actor must think about how he or she would respond in a given situation, be it saddening, maddening, frightening, or delightful. There is no sport that requires the knowledge of human emotion, and there is especially no sport that requires an athlete to mimic such emotion. This type of emotional exercise helps with communications and relationships.

Sports are great, don't get me wrong. I loved playing volleyball, basketball, track, and swimming, but there were no experiences quite like those from a musical. Sports challenge the body with slight amounts of tactic, while musicals require much physical and mental endurance.

The next time you hear someone say that it's “just a musical," just remember that musicals deserve as much respect as sports, since they are just as, if not more demanding.

Cover Image Credit: Cincinnati Arts
Duffy Zimmerman
Duffy Zimmerman Mar 20, 2017
At The State University of New York at Stony Brook

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10 Shows To Watch If You're Sick Of 'The Office'

You can only watch it so many times...

Emma Stover
Emma Stover Feb 15, 2019
1300
views

"The Office" is a great show, and is super easy to binge watch over and over again! But if you're like me and you're looking for something new to binge, why not give some of these a try? These comedies (or unintentional comedies) are a great way to branch out and watch something new.

1. "New Girl"

A show about a group of friends living in an apartment in a big city? Sound familiar? But seriously, this show is original and fresh, and Nick Miller is an icon.

2. "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"

Ya'll have been sleeping on this show. It's a musical comedy about a girl that follows her ex boyfriend across the country. I thought it sounded horrible so I put it off for WAY too long, but then I realized how incredible the cast, music, writing, and just EVERYTHING. It really brings important issues to light, and I can't say too much without spoiling it. Rachel Bloom (the creator of the show) is a woman ahead of her time.

3. "Jane the Virgin"

I know... another CW show. But both are so incredible! Jane The Virgin is a tongue-in-cheek comedy and parody of telenovelas. It has so many twists and turns, but somehow you find yourself laughing with the family.

4. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

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Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been in popular news lately since its cancellation by Fox and sequential pickup by NBC. It's an amazing show about cops in, you guessed it, Brooklyn. Created by the amazing Michael Schur, it's a safe bet that if you loved "The Office" you'll also love his series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine".

5. "The Good Place"

Another series created by the talented Micael Schur, it's safe to say you've probably already heard about this fantasy-comedy series. With a wonderful cast and writing that will keep you on your toes, the show is another safe bet.

6. "Fresh Off The Boat"

Seriously, I don't know why more people don't watch this show. "Fresh Off The Boat" focuses on an Asian family living in Orlando in the mid 90s. Randall Parks plays a character who is the polar opposite of his character in "The Interview" (Yeah, remember that horrifying movie?) and Constance Wu is wonderful as always.

7. "Full House"

Why not go back to the basics? If you're looking for a nostalgic comedy, go back all the way to the early days of Full House. If you're a '98-'00 baby like me, you probably grew up watching the Tanner family on Nick at Night. The entire series is available on Hulu, so if all else fails just watch Uncle Jesse and Rebecca fall in love again or Michelle fall off a horse and somehow lose her memory.

8. "Secret Life of the American Teenager"

Okay, this show is not a comedy, but I have never laughed so hard in my life. It's off Netflix but it's still on Hulu, so you can watch this masterpiece there. Watch the terrible acting and nonsense plot twists drive this show into the ground. Somehow everyone in this school dates each other? And also has a baby? You just have to watch. It might be my favorite show of all time.

9. "Scrubs"

Another old show that is worth watching. If you ignore the last season, Scrubs is a worthwhile medical comedy about doctors in both their personal and medical life. JD and Turk's relationship is one to be jealous of, and one hilarious to watch. Emotional at times, this medical drama is superior to any medical drama that's out now.

10. "Superstore"

I was resistant to watch this one at first, because it looked cheesy. But once I started watching I loved it! The show is a workplace comedy, one you're sure to love if you can relate to working in retail. If you liked the Office, you'll like Superstore!

Emma Stover
Emma Stover Feb 15, 2019
At Eastern Michigan University

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