Maureen Hughes and Blake Garrett

Maureen Hughes and Blake Garrett

When sophomores Maureen Hughes and Blake Garrett met last year, their common bond was a mutual love of musical theater and performing. Both had spent much of their time growing up on stage, singing and dancing. After coming to Mississippi State, they wanted to find a venue to share their talents. Garrett had long had in mind forming a show choir, and meeting Hughes was the catalyst that led to the university's newest student performing ensemble.

After much discussion and planning, the pair founded the Blitz Show Choir and held open auditions on campus. The result was a 24-person troupe that performs a variety of song and dance routines from a wide range of genres, including pop, Broadway and musical theater.

Garrett, a communication major, and Hughes, an accounting/theater major, said their ultimate goal was to have a group that offered energy and excitement.

"Everyone is excited about performing, and we strive to connect with the audience and involve them in the show to make sure they enjoy the experience," Hughes said. "The variety of music provides the members of the group a creative outlet through which we can just have fun entertaining others."