Lights, camera, action -- this weekend, students will be able to watch the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon from the comfort of their futons.
Across the nation, people will be able to log on to Thon's Web site, www.thon.org, and watch the 48 hours of Thon from a live camera.
Thon coverage will also be aired for the first time on Penn State Network Television (PSNtv) for several days following the weekend.
Bill Massi (senior-telecommunications), Thon Web cast project coordinator, said there will be two cameras placed in Rec Hall to capture the activities: one on the floor and one in the bleachers. "Dancers and other people involved will be able to go up to the camera on the floor and talk about their experience," he said.
The Internet broadcast will also be aired in an auditorium at Hershey Medical Center to bring the experience to Four Diamonds children who are too ill to attend the event.
The project first started last spring, when Massi and five others, who have since graduated, thought of the idea for a project in their COMM 487 (Telecommunications Administration) class.
"This project has taken over my life for nearly a year," he said. "I probably won't leave Rec Hall the whole weekend."
Massi said he hopes the project persuades people to donate while watching the broadcast on the Web site.
"Once alumni and other viewers see the visual, I am hoping they will feel like they need to help the cause," he said. "It would be great if this can help break $4 million worth of donations."
Sarah Graham (senior-telecommunications), who was in the class in the spring, joined Massi's effort shortly after she heard the group present the project. "I saw the potential for this Web cast to bring in more donations to Thon from its viewers," she said.
PSNtv will film at Thon for most of the weekend and coverage is scheduled to air Monday and Tuesday evening.
PSN News director Konstantin Toropin said Monday's show will reflect on the history of Thon.
"We are going to do some non-traditional features involving Thon," he said. "In addition to the history, we are going to be interviewing some kids, dancers, and featuring some of the activities throughout the weekend."
In The Game associate director Sam Adams said the show, which airs Tuesday, will feature athletes who participated in Thon.
"We will be following athletes around, watching them interact with the kids," she said.
PSNtv Vice President Mary Reilly said that although the network is not a participating organization in Thon, members wanted to help the cause.
"We are too young of an organization to be involved in Thon through dancing," she said. "But we are focusing a bunch of our shows on the event because we wanted to contribute to Thon in some form."
