On May 4, the annual event PSU’s Got Talent is coming to The Flying Monkey on Main Street.

For over five years, PSU’s Got Talent has been PSU’s official chance for students to show their peers and teachers their talents and hobbies. It is organized by Terry Dautcher’s event marketing class.

In past years, the event has been in the HUB, but this year it will be held at The Flying Monkey for the first time. The staff is optimistic, and hoping for a big turnout.

“It’s more of an official event venue feeling,” said Victoria Wajda-LaRoche, a sophomore communications major, who is part of the event staff.

“We’re definitely hoping to sell out the Monkey,” said senior event marketing major John Curcuru, who is also on the event staff.

Twelve acts are set to perform, but around 24 students auditioned. Not all of the events are individual; audience members can look forward to attractions such as a duet and a number from the dance team. Past memorable acts have ranged from breakdancing to playing the bagpipes. Students were able to go to an online link to set up auditions. “Auditions went really well, and it was a tough call, because everybody that showed brought something to the table, for certain” said Wajda-LaRoche. “But, we narrowed it down to the best, strongest stage presence and variety.”

All of the proceeds from the event go to Honduras Hope, an organization that builds houses and provides other needs, such as electricity for those who need aid in Honduras. Both ticket revenue and donations are going directly to the charity, and there is no chance for a middle party to intercept any proceeds.

Local business owner and philanthropist Alex Ray, and PSU event marketing professor Terry Dautcher are both friends, and they have close ties with the organization. Ray owns the Common Man Family, including the Flying Monkey.

The event staff is hoping to reach their goal of $4,000. Tickets are $10 a piece, and will be sold May 1-3 in the HUB, and at the door before the event. Donations are also welcome.

For students who are 21 and older, there will be a small beer tent at the show.

Acts are graded using a criteria-based rubric that judges originality and creativity, with sections that range from crowd response to whether the judges have ever seen an act like that one before.

To choose the judges, “in the past, we have stuck to the tradition of asking professors and teachers that people know on a personal level,” Wajda-LaRoche said. This tradition is continuing this year.

Overall, PSU’s Got Talent is a great chance to visit The Flying Monkey and watch friends perform. “You see your classmates do what they’re passionate about,” John Curcuru said.

Look out for ticket sales in the HUB from May 1-3, and see PSU’s Got Talent on May 4.