Follies a must-see tradition for MC’s Bicentennial Homecoming

Members of Shawreth men's club receive applause following their award-winning performance based upon the movie 'Napoleon Dynamite' during the 2025 Follies at MC.

Jadi Foster had only watched Mississippi Christian University’s (MC) Homecoming Follies online before attending her first live performance last year.

After watching the lively performances by students from MC’s clubs and tribes in a packed auditorium, Foster could only describe the experience with one word: impressive.

“I was blown out of the water seeing it in person,” said Foster, MC director of student engagement. “I was in awe of the talent and energy in the room and all of the effort that went into the costumes and sets.”

The 2026 Follies performances are scheduled for 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, for MC students and 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, for Homecoming guests. Both performances will be in Swor Auditorium in Nelson Hall.

Produced by the Office of Student Engagement’s Student Productions Committee and the Student Council, the singing, dancing and acting competition, now in its 41st year, is a beloved tradition at MC’s Homecoming. Groups of students perform elaborate 10-minute routines packed with MC references while vying for cash awards for their favorite philanthropies.

Performers rehearse throughout the semester to perfect their show-stopping performances said Caden Ball, a members of last year’s winning team, Shawreth men’s club.

“Audiences expect a show that is energetic, creative and uniquely MC,” said Ball, who is serving as co-student productions director of the show this year. “Follies gives people a chance to see the personality and creativity of our student organizations in a way they don’t normally get to experience. Current students get excited to support their friends, while alumni and families get to see what impression MC has made on student life here on campus.”

The senior psychology major from Olive Branch has been involved with Follies since his freshman year, moving from prop assistant to performer to producer.

“Those experiences gave me a greater appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes,” he said. “One of my biggest goals is to help produce a show that everyone involved can be proud of. There are a lot of people who put countless hours into Follies, so I want groups to walk away feeling like all of that work was worth it and they were part of something special.”

Among those hoping to claim the Follies championship this year is Amelia Rose Cook, a Follies co-chair for Kissimee social tribe. The sophomore elementary education major from Madison has plenty of experience, having been the lead for Kissimee and also performing for Rotaract last year.

“What I love most about Follies are the relationships,” Cook said. “You forget about everything going on in school and in life for a while and have fun with everyone. I’m looking forward to showcasing the insane amount of talent we have this year in KT.”

Camryn Robertson, a Chenoa Follies co-chair, enjoys the unique aspects of Follies performances.

“Everyone can enjoy a theater-style production, but what makes Follies so loved by the community and alumni is that it takes themes that aren’t generally going to be performed by a theater company and brings them to life in a musical way,” said the senior political science major from Flowood. “It’s fun, joyful and interactive in all the ways a performance should be.

“Our goal is to put on a winning show, but we want to give the audience a glimpse into the joyful community that Chenoa is.”

Traditionally, performances have been limited to MC’s clubs and tribes, but this year, the first independent team will be welcomed into Follies. Foster said the addition will bring a new dimension to the longstanding event.

As MC celebrates its Bicentennial Homecoming, Follies will once again bring students and alumni together through a shared tradition of creativity, competition and school spirit. For Foster, the connection between generations of MC students is what makes Follies special.

“Alumni enjoy watching current students do something that they got to do in the past and seeing how different the performances are, but also how alike they are. The spirit, tradition and joy that come from watching new students step into their shoes can be inspirational.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mc.edu/students/policies/events-activities/follies.