Synergy '92 will move in a new direction under the auspices of the University Thespians and the Alumni Association.

The talent show will begin at 8 p.m. tomorrow at Schwab Auditorium.

"It's a renovated version of Synergy," said Barry Lee Mackall (senior-speech communication), Synergy director and Thespians president.

Mackall has introduced a few of his new ideas.

"It's such a neat idea . . . to showcase the talent that might not get shown in other ways," Mackall said."I wanted the chance to give it a new look."

A male and a female emcee will host the show with four show dancers this year.

"Sorta like the Solid Gold dancers, I guess," said Beth Taubman (junior-speech communication), assistant stage manager.

Also new is the backdrop, a contemporary cityscape, which was created by Jeff Fortray (senior-general arts and sciences).

"We're doing a lot of new things with the show, and the set goes along with the changes," said Carol Whittaker, producer and Thespians faculty adviser.

The acts include a cappella singing groups, monologues, comedy acts and lots of different types of vocal performance.

"I wish there was more variety," Mackall said. But within the category of singing there is wide range of acts, he added.

Forty-eight groups performed during three nights of auditions in February for a spot in the show. A 12-judge panel chose the winners of this preliminary contest.

"Anyone who wants to who had any kind of talent . . . anyone was welcome to audition," Taubman said.

For the actual show, five different judges will pick the four winners. The acts will be judged differently this year, though.

"Why settle for less than the best, you know?" Mackall said. No longer will acts win within each academic year, but the best acts overall will be chosen and will divide the prize, Mackall said.

They will be judged on everything from creativity to stage presence, Mackall said.

Three of the judges represent a certain area of expertise -- musical theater, choreography and acting. A member of the alumni association and the president of the Thespians' Board of Directors will round out the judging panel.

"It is a contest but I want the participants to have fun together," Mackall said.

The performers' enthusiasm helped him achieve this goal.

"I like an excuse to play," said Paul Shapera, the show pianist, a State College resident.

The members of the a cappella group Syncopated Scenario are veterans of the show.

"The audiences seem really pumped up. They're ready to laugh at the drop of a hat," said Tim Hall (senior-meteorlogy), group member.

But besides the thrill of performing, there's an added incentive: $2,000 worth of cash prizes for the four best acts.

"A lot of people I've talked to are just out to get the money," said A.J. Laird (senior-theater). But there's also been a major improvement in the quality of talent, Laird said.

Tickets are available from Schwab and Eisenhower Box Offices. Student tickets are $2; adult admission is $3.