DTCC Communications students return April 26 for Multimedia Showcase

"Showcase 3.0," the third annual multimedia event highlighting the best work of students in Delaware Tech's Communications program, will once again take over the Milton Theatre Wednesday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m.

Featuring exhibits in videography, photography, creative writing, audio and graphic design, the Multimedia Showcase will also feature a special Virtual Reality display created by students within the program specifically for the event. Food will be provided by Tapas Catering, desserts by The Happy Cow, music by Steve Dolnack, with VR phones provided by TCC Verizon of Millsboro.

"This has become such a meaningful event for our program," said Department Chair Rob Rector. "Having the event take place at an historic location like the Milton Theatre really raises the bar for our students and provides us a wonderful backdrop in which to exhibit the works of some really talented students."

Creative Writing instructor Jennifer Morley has been working with students throughout the semester to prepare them for their on-stage performances. "For many students, this is the first time that they get to read their own work in public, and because they often write about real experiences and struggles, they come away from it feeling empowered, engaged, and more confident," she said. "It is a unique event where they can have a voice."

OC98 disc jockey Magellan, a graduate of the Communications program, will once again emcee the event, and usher in the best of video and news production and creative writing classes. Additionally, displays of students in photography, design, podcasting and writing will be exhibited throughout the theater. In addition to the virtual reality (VR) displays, the department has added an opportunity for viewers to stream a portion of the event live on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/D76dOJ1j9yA

"We are really excited about our newest additions to the event," Rector said, referring to the VR and livestream. "We purchased two VR cameras last year to explore this emerging technology, as it has become increasingly popular in journalism to place viewers in the middle of the story. So giving our students a chance to get their hands on the cameras and test them out is a great opportunity to expose them to it."

Lead instructor Jessica Farley said she enjoys seeing the reaction of her students on the evening of the event. "It's an opportunity for students to dress up for a night on the 'red carpet' at the Milton Theater," she said. "We are able to recognize exceptional student work, which is always the result of great effort and attention to detail, and our department feels very strongly that students try harder and give more when they know they'll be showcased in front of their family and friends."

"We're very proud of the fledgling talent in the Communications program at Delaware Tech," she added.

Additionally, viewers can get a guided tour of a portion of the event via its YouTube livestream, hosted by student Glenn Hiller, who will provide viewers with a glimpse of the showcase, interviews with the presenting artists and behind-the-scenes coverage of the fun. "The idea behind it was for our students to be able to share the big night with as many people as possible who may not be able to attend in person," Rector said. "Glenn is a very engaging host and I have no doubt he will give viewers an entertaining ride through the evening."

Doors for the event open at 6:30, with the video presentation set to take place at 7 p.m. The event is free, those interested in attending should arrive early, as the event has proven very popular in the last two years. For more information on the event, email rrector@dtcc.edu.