"I have many talents, but I think I will either walk on my hands or sew something for the pageant," said Doug Adler (freshman-advertising) as he sat with friends in the waiting room.

The competition was less than fierce yesterday when the Stone and Snyder Halls Council held open auditions for Penn State's inaugural Mr. East Halls competition.

The council interviewed potential contestants individually. They will be holding auditions again on Thursday.

Justin Pagano (freshman-computer engineering) said that he auditioned because his resident assistant told him he would make a great contestant.

"I have never done a talent show before," he said. "I am really excited to try one."

He will play Dance Dance Revolution for the talent portion of the competition, which will be held on December 2.

Stone and Snyder Halls Coordinator Asia Smith said to pass the audition, each student must demonstrate a talent and "be at the mercy of our judges." The Stone and Snyder Halls Council served as judges for the audition, but they will not be judging the competition.

Jones said this is the first time East Halls has held a contest such as this.

"We were just throwing out ideas at our first meeting and everyone wanted to do this," she said. "I'm looking forward to it because it is the start of something totally new."

Council historian Megan Harkins (freshman-marketing) said they are hoping to enter fifteen contestants in the competition. The contestants will be judged in four categories: talent, formal wear, school spirit and individual style.

The competition's time is yet to be determined because the council is waiting to hear back from the possible celebrity judges and if members of the football team agree to participate, they will try to schedule according to a possible bowl game.

"The biggest misconception is that this is a beauty contest and that makes the guys weary," Jones said. "It is just for fun and to meet new people."