An event is being hosted by Marquette community members to fundraise money to renovate Kaufman Auditorium and to raise money to sponsor community theatre and dance programs.

“Kaufman Follies” is a community talent showcase that will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Kaufman Auditorium.

This year over 20 acts are expected to be showcased, including song, dance, theater spoofs and many other unique performances.

According to Sara Cambensy, the director of Kaufman Auditorium, “Kaufman follies is slated to be a reoccurring event. “Our goal is setting out to start an annual fundraiser to help raise money to start replacing many of the critical items in need of repair.”

According to the Director of Kaufman auditorium the items in need of repair include a sound system, water fountains, new carpeting and restoration of the 1925 Steinway Grand Concert piano.

In addition, the renovation plans will include a restoration of the cafeteria space so that it can accommodate evening and weekend Kaufman events, particularly artist meet-and-greets.

“Kaufman has more interest than ever before for organizations, groups, and individuals looking to perform in Kaufman Auditorium,” Cambensy said.

Northern students are helping make this possible by performing in this talent showcase, Cambensy said.

“We have members of the NMU football team in one of our acts this year,” Cambensy said.  “As well as several NMU students in dance and theater who have volunteered to take part in it.”

Freshman Theatre major Donavon Chambers will be performing in two dance acts.

“It is important for students to get involved because it’s great to give back to the community,” Chambers said.

Kaufman Auditorium is visited by an average of 40,000 patrons every year. The benefits extend not only to the organizations hosting events at Kaufman, but surrounding businesses who see an increase in businesses, particularly at stores and restaurants, Cambersy said.

Chambers hopes to gain acting experience through the Kaufman Follies production.

“This gives me more chances to put myself out there, and work on my acting,” Chambers said. “Kaufman is a very important resource in Marquette because it holds so many events for the arts here in Marquette.”

Requests have already been made by individuals and organizations to be included in next year’s show roster.

Maggie Barch, a choreographer for the show, urges students to attend because it will be “hilarious and fun.” The doors will open at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Kaufman Auditorium, located at Graveraet High School at 611 N. Front St. in Marquette.

Tickets are $10, and are available at all NMU EZ Ticket outlets, online at www.nmu.edu/tickets or by calling (906) 227-1032.

Additional information on “Kaufman Follies” show is available at www.kaufmanauditorium.org