Bolted podium in Hamilton will impede CHiPs show

TO THE EDITOR:

CHiPs, UNC’s improv and sketch comedy team, will perform a show this Friday in Hamilton 100, the auditorium in Hamilton Hall at 8 p.m.

There will, however, be something different about this show’s venue: Rather than there being a clear stage for CHiPs to perform on, there will be a clunky podium in the middle of the floor. The podium will block sight lines and prevent CHiPs from moving freely about the stage.

Up until this semester, Hamilton’s podium could be moved for performances. Student groups would call the Classroom Hotline before their shows, and someone would come to move the podium.

However, this year things are different. Some students tried to move the podium themselves and damaged its electronic components. In response, the podium was bolted down so that it can no longer be moved at all.

The University did not try to selectively punish the groups responsible; rather, by bolting the podium, it punished all the groups who use Hamilton 100, including Tar Heel Voices and the Achordants.

The University also did not seek student input before bolting the podium.

CHiPs will still perform in Hamilton 100 this Friday, because there is still nowhere better. Hamilton is intimate and it seats the right number of people.

However, just because Hamilton is the best space does not mean it is good enough. We need the podium unbolted. Students deserve good performance space.

Please come out Friday and support performing rights on campus.



Hillary Nicholas
Director
CHiPs