Media Credit: CJ Harker The comedy troupe "Culture Shock" parody of the movie Twilight at Late Night Series.

Artists of all kinds showcased their talents at Mercer's Studio Theatre in another installment of the long-running Late Night Series. Students and other locals were provided with a free, open-mic opportunity to showcase their talents or see some local entertainment on a cold November night.

Before the showcase began, students congregated around the Studio Theater in anticipation of the show. The Studio Theater has a dark and cozy atmosphere and features seating that is very close to the small stage. The night's acts included poetry readings, a dramatic monologue, musicians, comedy groups and a featured performance by the Los Angeles- based touring production College the Musical: A Musical About College.

The poetry readings ranged from dramatic to silly, detailing topics such as feelings for suffering friends, the inhalation of cigarettes, and the quirky working environment of the Olive Garden.

The four-person "Culture Shock" and "Keegan and George: Other Shit" were two of the comedy groups to perform. "Culture Shock" delivered a topical Twilight Parody, rapidfire sketches and an improvisational comedy section fueled by audience participation. "Other Shit" is an avant-garde comedy duo with music who relied on tight delivery and drumbeats to provide humor. "Culture Shock" member Solomon Mason, a Theater major, describes performing at Late Night Series as, "fun and exhilarating" and "something everyone should do once."

College the Musical: A Musical About College stars Kelly Meyersfield and Evan Wecksell, two veterans of comedy club and college show tours. Written by Meyersfield, the show details the highs and lows of college life and relationships. According to Wecksell, "the idea for the show came from a play we were trying to make about alcohol awareness. It came out too preachy so it grew into College the Musical." The show combines comedic musical numbers from Wecksell's solo tours with Meyersfield's creative writing.

"We love playing small crowds. It reminds me of a similar creative space in my hometown," said Wecksell after the show.

The show ended around midnight with three songs provided by students from East Brunswick High School. By then, most of the students had left the Studio Theater, but those that remained at the Late Night Series applauded the musicians. Once the host closed the show, audience members were able to talk to the performers who stayed to watch the show.

Bartholomew Battista, a Communications major, hosted the Late Night Series, providing one-liners and light banter as he introduced acts. "The Late Night Series provides students an outlet for creativity with no limitations. Artists get to come and have a full crowd of people to entertain," said Battista.

The theater was filled with a spirited audience that alternately berated the host, cheered loudly for the performances and provided first-time attendees with a good look at the talent available in the Mercer community .

One first-time attendee, Graham Bessellieu, a junior Film major from Emerson, said, "It was cool to see all these people doing what they love up there on the stage for their classmates."or is it an imitation of Broadway sensations, such as "Rent" and "Spring Awakening."