The Step Sing bylaws govern each year’s show from the inside out. From the famous “no shoes on the grid” rule to the fact that alumni can perform their own show on the night of sweepstakes, these laws cover anything and everything that could happen in Samford’s Step Sing.
Some of these rules are straight-forward, such as Section XIII’s content regulations, stating that, “All content in the show (music, choreography, props, etc.) must be appropriate and consistent with Samford University’s mission and values.” Others, like the ones listed below, are a little more out there.
SECTION VI.d – “Groups may allow up to 5 participants from outside the organization to participate in their group. (For example, a show called ‘Independent Ladies’ can have no more than 5 participants that are not independent women).”
Shows such as “Vampires” by Dudes-A-Plenty (2018) utilized this when one of the main characters of their show was actually a woman. When the plot calls for it, it’s nice to know groups have this cushion built-in without penalty.
SECTION VI.e.iii – “An established group is any Step Sing group that has participated in Step Sing for at least two consecutive years.”
As faced by The Other Guys and Kappa Delta this year, provisional status actually takes two years of performing to get over, rather than just a group’s debut year. With this comes certain restrictions, such as choosing themes last in the line-up despite it being a random drawing for the rest of the groups.
SECTION XVII.j – “Use of hydraulics or any other moving piece is subject to Wright Center approval.”
Despite fire, feathers, liquids, live animals, confetti, sand and glitter being strictly prohibited by the Wright Center staff for use during shows, moving props can be approved by the Wright Center staff for your next sweepstakes-winning show.
SECTION XXIX.a – “Employees or alumni organized through the Alumni Office at Samford University or of their own accord may also participate in Step Sing contingent upon the approval of Step Sing Leadership and University administration. This group will be a non-competing group and perform only at the Saturday evening performance.”
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, alumni and staff can participate in Step Sing. So, if any professors whose alma mater isn’t Samford want to experience the joy of stepping and singing, they have their chance.
SECTION XXVIII.v – “Banners cannot depict people.”
This one might be a tad confusing – it seems that every year, one banner or another has a person on it. The best way to interpret this is that no specific depiction of a single person (like President Beck Taylor) may be painted on a banner.
SECTION XXVIII.vi – “If a group submits a banner theme that is an actual theme for another group, the respective group will be contacted for approval.”
Arguably, the most interesting piece of this law isn’t what it’s actually saying – it’s what it’s implying. Nowhere in the bylaws does it ever explicitly state that themes must be kept a secret, but this section implies that the bylaws are well aware of the tradition.
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