Step Sing
What Is Step Sing?
Step Sing is a valued tradition on UNA's campus and hosted by the University Program Council. In this competition, student groups compete in an epic performance, where they choreograph their own show filled with dancing and/or songs. Please join us the last weekend of January for Step Sing 2026.
The Theme for 2026 is a "March Through Time." Teams will get to think through the past, present, and future and pick a time period or fun event to base their storyline off of. Tickets go live on the links below on Wednesday, January 7th at 9:00am
Frequently Asked Questions
Step Sing is a fundraiser held annually in the spring. For 2026, Step Sing will be on the evenings of January 29th - 31st at 7pm. Thursday, January 29th will be a closed showing for UNA students and employees. Our Friday and Saturday performances will be open to the public at a cost of $15. The groups will perform each night and the winners will be announced on final night, which is January 31st.
In the past, Step Sing funds have been raised and donated to United Way of the Shoals to benefit our beloved community. For 2026, Step Sing funds are being transitioned to benefit UNA students through Caring for the Pride and other internal student focused campus initiatives.
Enrolled students who create a group of 10 to 25 can participate in Step Sing. Typically, Registered Student Organizations participate; however, a dorm floor or a random group of friends are also allowed and highly encouraged to compete! However, it is important to note that a student can only participate in one group performance.
The individual groups will have no more than 10:00 minutes to perform.
The groups are judged off of their Showmanship, Musical Quality, Creativity, Storyline, and Choreography. The performances are judged by at least five individuals that are selected prior to the show. The maximum score that can be given by a judge is 50 points for large group (10 pts per category).
The groups can use any song of their liking, but it must not have explicit content. The same rules apply for lyrics. Songs can only be used once per show and are awarded in the order of the show. Order of the show is randomly selected at the first Captains Meeting.
Groups are allowed to use props on stage, but there are several rules and regulations. Please see the Step Sing Rules and Regulations once they are posted to see the limitations on the props.
Historically, UPC provides the groups with a 25 minute allotted time slot the week of the show for a full out dress rehearsal. However, this year Norton is permitting 40 minute long dress rehearsals for each group this academic year. Dress Rehearsal will occur in the order of show and will happen between 4pm - 10pm on Tuesday, January 27th and Wednesday, January 28th.
The groups will have the option of 25 lighting cues. This does not include on and off. The groups will be able to meet with the Assistant Technical Director of Norton and can practice their cues during rehearsal.