Sigma Tau Delta hosts Scream Slam

Spooky stories, poetry, comedy, singing and even rapping took place during the annual Sigma Tau Delta Scream Slam open mic night at the Sandoz Center, Monday night.

Sigma Tau Delta, a part of the International English Honor Society, hosts an open mic night every month and the event is open to all students.

Contrasting the club’s February Love Slam, the October Scream Slam embraces the spirit of Halloween as students share their love for spooky literary work.

“I like the fact that we have an activity on campus that you can come participate in and enjoy no matter what your major is,” Shannon Schneider, 22, senior of Cody, said.

As the sun set, the room was left dimly lit. Only a string of lights illuminated the reader, adding to the ambience of the
Halloween theme as the audience of about 25 students and faculty sat in the darkness listening to the eerie readings of
the evening.

The environment was relaxed and anyone with something to read was welcomed to do so.

A variety of work was read, including “The Hearse Song,” a traditional children’s song about the process of human decomposition, as well as a handful of cheesy Halloween jokes.

Several students shared original poems and short stories, and others read passages from their favorite authors.

The night included 10 readers and lasted over an hour. Pizza and treats were provided.

Aaron Jones, 19, sophomore of Custer, South Dakota, read a selection of poems which he had written.

Stephanie Glass, 28, of Chadron, read a poem which she had just written that day.

Rachel Mitchell, 21, senior of Riverton, Wyoming, said the night was a great opportunity for students to share their work in a low-risk environment, practice public speaking, have the chance to receive constructive criticism and enjoy what is always a fun time.

Sigma Tau Delta will be hosting its next open mic night Monday, Nov. 5.