Finding Halloween fun at USC’s campus


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For everything from Halloween sneak peeks to non-holiday-related events that offer some great entertainment, you need not look farther than here on home turf.

Campus will be abuzz this weekend with various activities to choose from, most free of charge to USC students, so take advantage of all the campus has to offer.

To start things off right, Thursday will offer some shows that, although not holiday-themed, are sure to provide quite a bit of entertainment.

The Colored Museum

The play runs Oct. 28-31 at the Scene Dock Theatre near Parking Structure A. Written by George C. Wolfe and directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it focuses on the life of African Americans living in the 1980s with a satirical twist. Thursday’s show will kick off at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available in the USC Ticket Office but if you purchase them at the theater, they are only $5 for students, $8 for faculty and staff, and $10 for the general public.

The Who’s Tommy

If you’re up for more a musical number, head over to Massman Theatre at 7:30 p.m. for the premier of The Who’s Tommy. Taking its cue from the band’s 1969 rock opera, the play tells the story of Tommy, a disabled child, and the struggles his family faces raising him.

Directed by junior Luke Kanter, the show runs until Sunday and tickets are free, with a suggested $5 donation.

Smooth jazz and a smart rhymes

If you’re looking for something a little more mellow for your ears, head over to the ever-cozy Ground Zero. At 7 p.m. on Thursday there will be a Thornton Jazz Night free of charge. Grab some raspberry tea or a thick shake and take in all the jazz the  music students have to offer.

To further pursue your artsy streak, trek past the USC Pertusati Bookstore to USC’s very own Fisher Museum of Art for a special event discussing paintings and poems. “Turning Paintings Into Poems: How Poets Look at Art” will take place at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28 and will feature guest speaker poet Tom Healy, introduced by California Poet Laureate Carol Muske-Dukes. The event is free of charge.

Pumpkin Fun Run

It’s exactly what it sounds like. At noon on Friday, for just a $5 entry fee, you can run with a pumpkin at the Lyon Center. The race is organized by USC Recreational Sports and takes place every October, with participants from all aspects of the university: students, faculty and staff.

Go see if you favorite professor can beat you at a race — or the other way around. Pumpkins, however, are not provided, so make sure to bring your own.

Thornton Apollo and Oriana Choirs

For something a little more classical, head over to the Alfred Newman Recital Hall at 8 p.m. on Friday to hear the Oriana Women’s Choir showcase its talent with a performance that includes Halloween songs. The Apollo Men’s Choir will also perform and tickets are free.

Party at the Darkside

At 8 p.m. on Saturday you can dance the night away on the Parkside lawn with appearances from Maureen’s Band, The Cleanse, Down to Funk and DJ Will.

The event is free of charge and attendees can participate in a raffle and costume contest.

But it’s on Sunday where the fun really begins with two screenings, The Walking Dead and The Bunny Game, that are sure to knock your socks off and supply you with free entertainment:

The Walking Dead

At 10 p.m. on Sunday walk over to the Norris Cinema Theatre and celebrate the premiere of AMC’s adaptation of the zombie apocalypse graphic novel series The Walking Dead. The screening will broadcast the premiere live, allowing attendees to join in on the fun with other fans — just be sure to reserve a spot online so you have a seat.

The Bunny Game

How about watching a movie perfect for the holiday spirit? Outside the Box [Office] will be presenting a screening of The Bunny Game, directed by Adam Rehmeier, in the Albert and Dana Broccoli Theatre. The film is a story about a woman on the streets who accepts an invitation from the wrong guy.

Viewers beware — the movie is extremely disturbing and also contains strong sexual material. Perfect for a Halloween night, the movie will screen for free on Sunday at 6 p.m. in the Albert and Dana Broccoli Theatre in the George Lucas Building but is open to USC students, faculty, staff and alumni only. Those wishing to attend can make a reservation by visiting cinema.usc.edu.