Loss of On the Fly Productions means more work for Program Board President Lewis
Steve Lewis is under a lot of pressure these days.
The Allegan junior is president of Program Board, the organization responsible for bringing much of the entertainment featured at Central Michigan University.
His duties include booking events, ensuring all shows are confirmed, staying in close contact with his adviser Damon Brown, coordinator of student activities and going over contracts. But since On The Fly Productions was cut at the end of last semester, Program Board has been pushed farther into the spotlight.
“I met with (the president and vice president of On The Fly) and saw what they thought was good for the campus,” Lewis said.
Program Board is now pushed even harder to bring entertainment to CMU while staying within budget limits, Program Board vice president and Pinconning senior Crysta Heckman said.
“We don’t have On The Fly as co-sponsor anymore, it makes it harder to do bigger shows,” Heckman said. “We don’t have the funding to do shows as much as we used to, but it’s brought new members to our organization.”
Teamwork
Lewis doesn’t do it alone. Heckman shares the same stresses and responsibilities.
“It can get really stressful balancing everything, but it’s always worth it just to see students having a good time,” Heckman said.
Balance is a large part of Program Board, Heckman said. Satisfying the masses with various artists is another job Lewis has to accomplish,
“We just try to get everyone’s opinions,” Heckman said.
Surveys and student input is the most accurate way to gauge what performers to bring, she said. In 2008, Heckman sent out a large amount of surveys asking students what comedian they would prefer.
Demetri Martin ended up triumphant in those surveys and Program Board brought him to Rose Arena after Bob Saget cancelled.
Lewis is especially proud of other bookings, including the alternative rock band “We The Kings,” who are set to perform Oct. 10.
Other upcoming shows include stand-up comedian Nick Swardson — best known for his appearance in the 2006 film “The Benchwarmers” — and actor Verne Troyer.
Stand-up comedy is a particular interest of Lewis’.
“Every time I leave a comedy show, everyone’s smiling and having a good time,” he said.
Lewis is doing well with his duties as Program Board president, said Rebecca Sarkozi, RSO member and Big Rapids sophomore.
“He’s doing a pretty good job this year,” she said. “(He’s) working with the e-board a lot to get general members a lot more excited about working with it.”
