Step Sing season has a way of taking over campus. The late nights, packed rehearsal schedules and constant conversations about choreography and costumes quickly become the norm. For many students, participating feels like a rite of passage, a defining part of the Samford experience. However, not everyone chooses to step on the stage.
For some students, opting out of Step Sing is a deliberate and thoughtful decision shaped by time, finances or personal interests, even as the tradition continues to dominate campus culture.
Sophomore Seth Stalcup decided not to participate before the semester even began. While he has never been involved in Step Sing, his decision this year felt more intentional than before.
“Last year, I didn’t do Step Sing,” Stalcup said. “And while I was somewhat sad, I didn’t participate, I saw how much time it took up, and so this year I was even more sure I didn’t really want to.”
For Stalcup, the time commitment was only part of the equation. Financial concerns and academic priorities played a significant role in his decision.
Personal comfort was also a factor. Stalcup said performing in front of others has never been his strength.
Despite feeling confident in his reasoning, the social aspect of Step Sing made opting out more difficult. Many of Stalcup’s close friends are involved this year, including some in leadership roles.
“The weeks during Step Sing are so different than the rest of the year. It’s quiet, which I kind of like, but I also miss seeing people who are in Step Sing more,” he said. “I am definitely glad it doesn’t last too long.”
Looking back, Stalcup says he would likely make the same choice again, even though a small part of him still feels disappointed.
Sophomore Hannah Blomgren also chose not to participate this year, though her decision came earlier. After considering Step Sing briefly, she decided at the end of last spring that it was not something she wanted to pursue.
For Blomgren, scheduling conflicts and personal interest were the main factors.
“The main factors in my decision were the busyness in my schedule during January, and I’ve never really been into musical theatre or anything like that,” Blomgren said. “I’ve never had a super big interest in Step Sing in general.”
Blomgren said she felt confident in her decision and did not experience pressure to participate, despite Step Sing’s prominence on campus.
Still, opting out has subtly shaped her experience during the first few weeks of the semester. With many of her friends involved in rehearsals, time together has been limited.
“Even though I didn’t do Step Sing, my first few weeks have been super busy,” she said. “Most of my friends are doing it, so they haven’t been around as much, but I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to hang out anyway.”
For students like Stalcup and Blomgren, choosing not to participate does not mean feeling disconnected from campus life, but handling individual priorities.
As Step Sing continues to be a defining tradition for many, stories of students in the audience show that the Samford experience looks different for everyone, even during its loudest weeks.
Staff Reporter
