MTV invades Frat Park with unique Saturday afternoon activities
Aspiring entertainers flock to audition at MTV's 'Wanna Be a VJ' tent

by Connie Hsu
Daily Illini reporter

When MTV Campus Invasion infiltrated the University on Saturday, it brought a daytime interactive festival to the campus in addition to performances by Bush and special guest Moby.

The festival was held at Washington Park, where students created music, registered to vote, listened to "Spankin' New Videos," got makeover and skin care tips from MTV's House of Style and tried out for the "Wanna Be a VJ" contest.

Although lines trailed out from most of the booths at the park, also known as Frat Park, some students expected the festival to be more crowded.

"I thought it would be bigger, but at least it was something different to do for a Saturday afternoon," said Erin Doyle, freshman in LAS.

John Tess said he thought the afternoon events were not well advertised.

"It was a lot smaller than I thought," he said. "Other than stuff about the concert, I didn't see much advertising about the daytime stuff."

Some festival volunteers were recruited through their sororities, said event volunteer Julie Schaefers, senior in applied life studies.

"My sorority asked for volunteers, so I decided to help out," Schaefers said.

The MTV Music Generator booths allowed students to mix and create their own music, combining different beats and harmonies together.

"I want to try to mix my own music later," Schaefers said.

At the Choose or Lose booth, students registered to vote and found information about political candidates for the upcoming election.

"I like the Choose or Lose booth," said Doyle. "It was very informational. The most interesting thing about Choose or Lose was finding out where candidates were when they were 22."

The Spankin' New Videos tent set up booths where students could pick their favorite music videos to watch.

"It was cool seeing different videos that aren't on TV much," Tess said.

The Neutrogena Makeover and Skin Care booths taught students about sun damage, suitable makeup colors and the proper use of skin care products. Students passed from section to section, learning about skin care and earning stamps in information booklets to receive free trial packages.

"They take a picture of you to see any sun damage," Schaefers said. "Then the dermatologist advises you about how to protect your skin."

Although there were students participating at every booth, the most crowded tent was the "Wanna be a VJ" contest tent. Students waited in line and quickly filled out applications. At the head of the line, a girl sat in front of a camera as casting directors drilled her with questions. Tilting her head, she faced the camera and made a final plea to MTV to make her the next winner of the "Wanna Be a VJ" contest.

"I'm just doing it for the fun of it," said Melanie Lang, freshman in engineering. "I think they'll ask me about what music I like."

Doyle said she was content to observe others audition.

"I didn't dress appropriately," she said. "I didn't expect to show off my skills as a VJ today."

Other students were more enthusiastic about the tryouts.

"I'm really dependable and responsible, which is a nice balance with being crazy and wild," said Abby Ross, freshman in LAS. "I think that's a good combination as an MTV VJ."

Rob Crawford, casting director for "Wanna be a VJ," said he looks for people with music savvy, a good personality and something unique.

"You know what you like when you see it," he said.

Crawford said he enjoys traveling across the country and holding auditions.

"This is such a cool way to get talent," Crawford said. "This is the first time for 'Wanna be a VJ' to come to campuses. It gives students who don't live in big cities a chance to come out and audition."

For some students, MTV Campus Invasion offered a chance of a lifetime.

"My dream is to be a VJ," Ross said. "I think it's so great that these opportunities come to the University."