Varsity Revue History
Varsity Revue is an all campus variety show. Over the years, Varsity Revue has become a tradition OSU students look forward to, but few know of the humble beginnings. The story begins with a 1929 editorial by the Daily O'Collegian editor, Joe Griffin. In his editorial he complained that the band's performances were lackluster and their physical appearance was poor. Band members were furious, but Griffin was willing to confront the problems he addressed. With the help of the Press Club, an agreement was reached. A campus vaudeville production was proposed. The show, along with the sale of "Beat OU" tags, would raise funds to buy university band uniforms. On November 18, 1929, the first Varsity Revue opened. The show went for many years to follow and was even kept afloat as many students were called to war. Since its inception, Varsity Revue has included men and women from the fraternity and sorority community, from student organizations and from residence halls in the performance. However, as time passed, fraternity men and sorority women truly embraced the Varsity Revue tradition, and, beginning in 2013, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs took over the advising role.
As we get more pieces of history, this page will continue to grow! If there is not a year recorded, it does not mean the production didn't take place, just that we don't have enough information. Let us know if you have something to contribute to Varsity Revue's History by emailing varsityrevue@okstate.edu. We love seeing old photos, videos, programs, and anything else that made your VR experience a memorable one!
2023
Continuing the new tradition of removing cast tryouts, Varsity Revue 2023 saw the paraticipation of 12 casts. The beneficiary this year was The United Way of Payne County . Students raised a record breaking $60,000 for the philanthropy. The Saturday night live stream can be viewed here
Executive Directors: Reid Rector & Bella Onofrio
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Sigma Alpha Epsilon, view here
- Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, & Kappa Sigma view here
- Alpha Omicron Pi & Lambda Chi Alpha, view here
- Chi Omega & Sigma Nu - 3rd Place, view here
- Delta Delta Delta & Phi Kappa Tau, view here
- Gamma Phi Beta & Beta Theta Pi - 5th Place, view here
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Sigma Phi Epsilon - 1st Place, view here
- Kappa Delta & Phi Gamma Delta - 2nd Place, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & FarmHouse, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Chi, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Phi Delta Theta - 4th Place, view here
Individual Awards
- Best Male Director: Murphy Mills - Beta Theta Pi
- Best Male Performer: Greyson Opp - Kappa Sigma
- Best Male Vocalist: Mitchell Breedlove - Phi Delta Theta
- Best Female Director: Morgan Geiger - Kappa Delta
- Best Female Performer: Emerson Gilbert - Zeta Tau Alpha
- Best Female Vocalist: Grace Gibbs - Chi Omega
Cast Awards
- Best Vocals: Kappa Alpha Theta & SIgma Phi Epsilon
- Best Choreo: Kappa Alpha Theta & SIgma Phi Epsilon
- Most Creative: Kappa Alpha Theta & SIgma Phi Epsilon
- Most Entertaining: Kappa Delta & Phi Gamma Delta
- Best Opener: Kappa Delta & Phi Gamma Delta
- Best Ensemble: Chi Omega & Sigma Nu
- Most Comedic: Phi Mu & Delta Tau Delta
- Best Song Choice: Chi Omega & Sigma Nu
- Best Costumes: Kappa Alpha Theta & SIgma Phi Epsilon
- Most Philanthropic: Kappa Alpha Theta & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Fan Favorite: Chi Omega & Sigma Nu
2022
This year marked the first restriction free production following the onset of COVID-19. For the first time in recent history, the production was put on without tryouts and featured 11 casts and 3 indivudal acts. The beneficiary this year was The United Way of Payne County . Students raised a record breaking $40,000 for the philanthropy. The Saturday night live stream can be viewed here
Executive Directors: Reid Rector, Bella Onofrio & Zach Youngblood
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Sigma Nu, view here
- Alpha Delta Pi & Alpha Gamma Rho, view here
- Alpha Omicron Pi & Kappa Sigma, view here
- Chi Omega & Phi Kappa Tau, view here
- Delta Delta Delta & Phi Mu - 5th Place, view here
- Gamma Phi Beta & Sigma Phi Epsilon, view here
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Sigma Chi - 3rd Place, view here
- Kappa Delta & Beta Theta Pi - 1st Place, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Phi Delta Theta, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Phi Gamma Delta - 2nd Place, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & FarmHouse - 4th Place, view here
Individual Awards
- Best Male Director: Michael Douglas – Sigma Chi
- Best Male Performer: Wyatt Smith - Phi Gamma Delta
- Best Male Vocalist: Gage Gibbs - Phi Gamma Delta
- Best Female Director: Rachel Rychlik – Alpha Omicron Pi
- Best Female Performer: Lauren Luiskutty - Gamma Phi Beta
- Best Female Vocalist: Elise Burmeister - Alpha Chi Omega
Group Awards
- Best Vocals: Kappa Delta & Beta Theta Pi
- Best Choreography: Kappa Delta & Beta Theta Pi
- Best Theme: Kappa Delta & Beta Theta Pi
- Most Entertaining: Kappa Delta & Beta Theta Pi
- Best Opener: Kappa Delta & Beta Theta Pi
- Best Ensemble: Gamma Phi Beta & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Most Comedic: Alpha Chi Omega & Sigma Nu
- Best Song Choice: Alpha Omicron Pi & Kappa Sigma
- Best Costumes: Delta Delta Delta & Phi Mu
- Most Philanthropic: Delta Delta Delta & Phi Mu
Individual Acts
- Brook Lyn Jones - Best Individual Act
- Riley McDonald
- Wesley Pierce
2021
This year chapters were allowed to select their own pairings, and individual acts were placed in between group acts to entertain the audience with a variety of performances. Cast sizes were limited to 26 people to allow for social distancing on the Seretean Center stage, as well as masks were required to be worn unless performers were in a certain area of the stage. This year featured a sweep in male individual awards by the same chapter, a first for this occurance. The beneficiaries this year were The United Way of Payne County & Coaches vs Cancer. Students raised a total of $25,000 for the philanthropies. The Saturday night live stream can be viewed here
Executive Directors: Jonathan Cooper, Alicia Young, & Zach Youngblood
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & FarmHouse - 5th Place
- Alpha Delta Pi & Pi Kappa Alpha
- Alpha Omicron Pi & Tau Kappa Epsilon
- Chi Omega & Sigma Chi - 4th Place
- Delta Delta Delta & Kappa Sigma
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Beta Theta Pi - 2nd Place
- Kappa Delta & Zeta Tau Alpha - 3rd Place
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Sigma Nu
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Phi Epsilon, 1st Place
Individual Awards
- Best Male Director: Reid Rector - FarmHouse
- Best Male Performer: Ridge Hughbanks - FarmHouse
- Best Male Vocalist: Kenny Gipson - FarmHouse
- Best Female Director: Becca Tripodi - Delta Delta Delta
- Best Female Performer: Breanna Lubinski - Pi Beta Phi
- Best Female Vocalist: Emily Balderson - Kappa Alpha Theta
Group Awards
- Best Vocals: Kappa Alpha Theta & Beta Theta Pi
- Best Choreo: Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Best Theme: Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Most Entertaining: Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Best Ensemble: Kappa Alpha Theta & Beta Theta Pi
- Most Comical: Delta Delta Delta & Kappa Sigma
- Best Song Choice: Kappa Delta & Zeta Tau Alpha
- Best Costumes: Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Most Philanthropic: Kappa Kappa Gamma & Sigma Nu
2020
This year chapters were allowed to select their own pairings, and individual acts were placed in between group acts to entertain the audience with a variety of performances.
Executive Directors: Alex Cannon & Alicia Young
Group Acts
2019
The 90th Anniversary of Varsity Revue at Oklahoma State Universtiy. This year also saw the return of emcees to host the show and they were Hadley Apple and Tori Denny.
Executive Directors: Chord Fonvielle, Stevie Burries, & Colin Kuzdak
Group Acts
- Alpha Delta Pi & Delta Delta Delta, view here
- Chi Omega & Sigma Phi Epsilon - 1st Place, view here
- Gamma Phi Beta & Farmhouse, view here
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Phi Gamma Delta - 3rd Place, view here
- Kappa Delta & Alpha Tau Omega, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Sigma Chi, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Nu - 2nd Place, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Beta Theta Pi, view here
2018
Going back to tradition, chapters were allowed to select their own pairings, and individual acts were placed in between group acts to entertain the audience with a variety of performances including Cara Greenwell, Caroline Vitanza, Cole Norton, and the Vocal Steering Committee.
Executive Directors: Hannah Winemiller, Trent Wakefield, Chord Fonvielle, & Colin Kuzdak
Group Acts
- Alpha Delta Pi & Kappa Sigma, view here
- Alpha Omicron Pi & Delta Delta Delta, view here
- Chi Omega & Beta Theta Pi - 1st Place, view here
- Gamma Phi Beta & Sigma Chi, view here
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Alpha Tau Omega, view here
- Kappa Delta & Sigma Phi Epsilon - 3rd Place, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Phi Gamma Delta, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Farmhouse, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Sigma Nu - 2nd Place, view here
2017
For the 2017 show, three major changes happened with Varsity Revue. Starting with the pairing process, chapters tried out individually and were then paired randomly after they auditioned. Following the tradition of change, 5 chapters were selected to place out of the eight. Individual Acts were not a part of the show this year.
Executive Directors: Grant McClendon, Cara Greenwell, and Hannah Winemiller
Group Acts
- Alpha Delta Pi & Alpha Tau Omega, view here
- Alpha Omicron Pi & Kappa Sigma, view here
- Chi Omega & Sigma Chi - 5th Place, view here
- Gamma Phi Beta & Farmhouse - 4th Place, view here
- Kappa Delta & Phi Gamma Delta - 1st Place, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Sigma Phi Epsilon, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Nu - 3rd Place, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Beta Theta Pi - 2nd Place, view here
2016
Executive Directors: Rebecca Henry, Whitney Bruneau, and Grant McClendon
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Pi Kappa Alpha, view here
- Chi Omega & Sigma Nu, view here
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Beta Theta Pi - 1st Place, view here
- Kappa Delta & Alpha Tau Omega, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Farmhouse - 3rd Place, view here
- Phi Mu & Kappa Sigma, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Phi Epsilon, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Phi Gamma Delta - 2nd Place, view here
Individual Acts
2015
Executive Directors: Ben Brownlee and Rebecca Henry
Group Acts
- Alpha Delta Pi & Delta Delta Delta, view here
- Chi Omega & Phi Gamma Delta - 2nd Place, view here
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Alpha Gamma Rho, view here
- Kappa Delta & Farmhouse - 3rd Place, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Alpha Tau Omega, view here
- Phi Mu & Kappa Sigma, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Nu, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Sigma Chi - 1st Place, view here
Individual Acts
2014
Executive Directors: Brandon Parduhn and Ben Brownlee
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Alpha Tau Omega, view here
- Chi Omega & Beta Theta Pi - 1st Place, view here
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Farmhouse - 2nd Place, view here
- Kappa Delta & Sigma Chi, view here
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Sigma Alpha Epsilon, view here
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Phi Epsilon - 3rd Place, view here
- Zeta Tau Alpha & Phi Gamma Delta, view here
Individual Acts
2013
In 2013, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs officially took over the advising role for Varsity Revue.
Group Acts
- Alpha Omicron Pi & Pi Kappa Alpha
- Alpha Tau Omega & Kappa Sigma
- Chi Omega & Farmhouse - 3rd Place
- Gamma Phi Beta & Phi Gamma Delta
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Sigma Nu - 1st Place
- Kappa Delta & Sigma Phi Epsilon - 2nd Place
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Sigma Chi
- Pi Beta Phi & Beta Theta Pi
Individual Acts
2012
The theme for this year was "Heard it Through the Grapevine."
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Chi Omega & Sigma Nu
- Gamma Phi Beta & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Beta Theta Pi - 2nd Place
- Kappa Delta & Alpha Gamma Rho
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Farmhouse - 3rd Place
- Pi Beta Phi & Phi Gamma Delta - 1st Place
Individual Acts
- Brookelyn Davidson
- Ethan Scott and Andrew Webb
- Katie Leto
- Peter Van Gee
- Jill Davis, Luke Roberts and Julia Metcalf
- Scott Burner, Ben Dalton, Blake Imel and Wade Pierce
- Alex Geis and Trace White
- Connor Hufnagel
- GRΣΣKS IN DA STRΣΣTS
2011
The theme for this year was "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About."
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Farmhouse - 3rd Place
- Chi Omega & Phi Gamma Delta - 1st Place
- Gamma Phi Beta & Beta Theta Pi
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Kappa Delta & Sigma Nu - 2nd Place
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Pi Kappa Alpha
- Pi Beta Phi & Alpha Gamma Rho
Individual Acts
- Emmy Hann and Zach Roberts
- Brookelyn Davidson
- Michael Young
- Scott Blankenship and Andrew Webb
- Christina Hodge
- Peter Van Gee and Joe Greiner
- Jordan Stivers
2010
For the 2010 year, Varsity Revue took place in the Stillwater Community Center. The theme for this year was "Leaving our Mark."
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Kappa Delta - 3rd Place
- Chi Omega & Beta Theta Pi
- Gamma Phi Beta & Farmhouse
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Phi Gamma Delta - 2nd Place
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Alpha Gamma Rho
- Pi Beta Phi & Sigma Nu - 1st Place
Individual Acts
- Katie Leto
- Davis Hood, Weston Shepherd and Mitch Braig
- Courtney Moore and Katie Lower
- Burnin' Black Gospel Choir
- "Cleveland Street" Dance Crew
- Emmy Hann and Zach Roberts
2009
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of Varsity Revue, which began in 1929. The theme for this year was "Behind the Curtain."
Group Acts
- Alpha Chi Omega & Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Chi Omega & Alpha Gamma Rho
- Gamma Phi Beta & Phi Delta Theta
- Kappa Alpha Theta & Sigma Nu - 1st Place
- Kappa Delta & Sigma Chi
- Kappa Kappa Gamma & Phi Gamma Delta - 2nd Place
- Pi Beta Phi & Beta Theta Pi - 3rd Place
Individual Acts
- Jillian Weller
- Zach Roberts
- Amy Quade and Lauren Wylie
- Christina Hodge
- Weston Shepherd and Steven Kennedy
- Burnin' Black Gospel Choir
- Jolie Britt, Brett Biggs and Travis Loafman
- Carli Waken
- Becca Jacoby
Under Construction!
1971
"Under the direction of Steve Hiney, Varsity Revue staged its first performance in the New Seretean Center for Performing Arts on the revue's 42nd anniversary. The all-campus variety show was started in 1929. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs took over the advising role for the revue in 2013."
- OSU Timeline, Varsity Revue transitions to debut in the Seretean Center
1948
1947
1946
1945
Due to wartime conditions, the acts and overall management of the event was largely supported by the women's organizations and fraternities.
Manager: Theta Sigma Phi
- Victory Hall No. 1 (currently Beta Theta Pi chapter house)
- Victory Hall No. 8
- North Murray Hall
- Pi Beta Phi
- Kappa Delta
- Chi Omega
1944
Manager: Theta Sigma Phi (women's honor society for journalism)
Last fall the members sponsored a tea for freshman women in journalism to acquaint them with their work. Also the members have taken over from the Press Club the annual Varsity [Revue], which this year presented military as well as campus units.
- Redskin 1944
1943
Highlighting the group's activities for the year was the annual Varsity Revue presented January 12. Organized along "Hellzapoppin" lines, the production grossed more than $350, a major portion of which went into a fund to provide recreation facilities for the service groups stationed here.
- Redskin 1943
1942
Resurrecting the Varsity Revue, Press Club came through with a bang in presenting one of the finest programs of the year in spite of a declaration of work and a snow-storm.
- Redskin 1942
1941
1940
1939
(Known) Acts
- Zeta Tau Alpha
- Pi Beta Phi
The annual Varsity Revue was launched with Kline Culbertson at the helm. The Pi Phis as Froshy Fish topped the tidal wave and swam off with the prize.
- Redskin 1939
1938
1937
Financial returns from the dances and the Varsity Revue annually sponsored by the club are always used for civic purposes on the campus. For several years the Varsity Revue was staged as a benefit performance to provide $5,000 worth of uniforms for the A. and M. band, which previously had been obliged to wear orange sweaters as its only uniform. It is probable that the club will apply future earnings of its benefit performances toward purchasing additional equipment for the "O'Collegian" printing plant.
-Redskin 1937
1936
Managers:
(Known) Acts:
- Kappa Sigma
- Alpha Gamma Rho
- Kappa Alpha Theta
- Pi Beta Phi & Lambda Chi Quartet
- The Varsitonians
- The College Club Orchestra
- Virginia Swindle's School of Dance
"Virginia Swindle's School of Dance, put on some acts that called for more. Babe. Pat, and the man with the pipe are on their way to a preview of the revue ... The Eugene O'Neal of A. and M., Welden Barnes, wrote and produced the 1936 Varsity Revue. The Pi Phi's had the winning act and were helped by the Lambda Chi Quartet."
- Redskin 1936
1935
Managers: F. E. Wallis (production), Earl Richert (business)
(Known) Acts:
- Pi Beta Phi
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- Warren Kennedy
- Lambda Chi Alpha
- Sigma Nu
- The Varsitonians
"The members voted to have the annual Varsity Revue stage entertainment presenting college talent, early in December, and decided that Wallis be production manager and Richert business manager. Wallis chose as his theme a university afloat and began recruiting material.
Almost all of the preceding year's Revue talent had withdrawn from school, a large number of willing but unexperienced performers volunteered to undergo the weeks of long drill necessary to make the production successful. Dolores Wadsworth, Redskin secretary, agreed to coach the choruses as she had considerable dancing experience. Frances Graham, also an accomplished dancer, and Jerry Casey, campus specialty dance instructor, assisted with the dance numbers of the show. Elizabeth Ann Steele, prominent member of the Players' Club, was made assistant director in charge of the dramatic parts by Wallis. Other assistants in the production of the show were: Harold Land, president of Players' Club; Thornton Smith, campus dance instructor; Warenne Kennedy, student musician ; and Weldon Barnes, versatile journalist and columnist.
The Revue was a success. Critics and students credited it with being the finest of a long series of Varsity Revue hits presented by the Press Club.
Thirty dollars in prizes were given to three acts adjudged to be the best by a committee composed of Raymond E. Bivert, general manager of student publications ; Harry H. Anderson, associate professor of speech ; President Arthur O. Ackenbom; Vice-President F. F. (Wally) Wallis; and Secretary-Treasurer Fail H. Richert. 'The winner of the largest prize, $15.00, was Pi Beta Phi."
- Redskin 1935
1934
Manager: F. E. Wallis
(Known) Acts
- Pi Beta Phi
- Marguerite Walker
- Kappa Alpha Theta
"The annual Varsity Revue hit a new high when the club adopted a central theme for the production. All talent was selected from the campus. The script was written by Lawrence Thompson, publicity was handled by David Knox, and the production was directed by F. E. Wallis. The house was a sell-out, and the Revue undoubtedly the most popular ever given. Nearly $50 of equipment for the stage and auditorium were donated to the college by the club from Varsity Revue receipts. This equipment is to be the permanent possession of the school."
- Redskin, 1934
1933
Managers: Mickey Nicholson and Willis Collins
(Known) Acts
- Kappa Delta
- Pi Beta Phi
- Kappa Alpha Theta
"The Varsity Revue was launched as a means of financing the [marching band] uniforms. The vaudeville production with students as principals was immediately successful and caught student fancy. Various campus organizations sponsored acts, and all student talent was pressed into service.
In the three years following, the Varsity Revue has become the high spot of campus entertainment; not, perhaps, from the point of view of polished acting, but from the standpoint of being thoroughly enjoyable. The Varsity Revue this year, co-managed by Mickey Nicholson and Willis Collins, more nearly approached a big-time musical comedy than any other performance of it has. Prizes were offered for the best acts, and student talent worked far into many nights for over a month preceding the performance.
The Kappa Delta act, the "Club Metropole," featuring the singing of Ruth Stricklin, the dancing of Roberta Putnam and Delores Wadsworth, and a well-trained chorus, won first prize this year."
- Redskin, 1933
1932
"The 1932 edition of the Varsity Revue, the third annual production, again took the campus by storm. With individual acts from many of the campus organizations working in conjunction with the brightest stars of the school's entertainment circles, the show offered the best entertainment of the year.
The Varsity Club, with its famous music, was the star of the production. The Club prepares each year an act especially for the Revue, and they are always received enthusiastically."
- Redskin, 1932
1931
1930
1929
"Varsity Revue was established in 1929, inviting all students to compete in a talent show that raised money for new band uniforms and music."
- OSU Timeline, Varsity Revue debuts
Manager: Joe Griffin
"Staged as a decided innovation on the campus, the Varsity Revue, a night of vaudeville staged by the Press Club to raise funds for the purchase of band uniforms, packed one of the largest houses into the college auditorium in the history of the school.
While this effort was but one part of the yearlong activities of the Press organization to raise funds to meet the cost of the uniforms it was the major money- getting means of the group.
Builded around the idea of a modern vaudeville show, with acts of all kinds, including singing, dancing, orchestrations, sleight-of-hand, burlesque, and pantomime, the evening's entertainment proved to be a different type of performance for students.
It had been customary in the past history of the school for the Men's Glee Club to offer a night's entertainment to raise funds necessary to defray expenses of the group. This year the music organization of men singers, gave permission to the publications group to stage a show in view of the import of its purpose.
Confronted with the task of raising nearly one thousand dollars to make the initial payment on the band uniforms the members of the Press Club bent all their efforts toward making the show one of the best to ever be staged on the campus. Members of the College Band took over the sale of tickets and the advance sale presaged the interest evidenced by the town and campus in the show.
The night of the show found every seat in the building filled and the standing- room-only sign hanging from the door."
- Redskin, 1930