Preps Underway For 'We Day' At Xcel Center
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Over the last year, we've seen what We Day can do to inspire teenagers. The concert celebration returns to the Xcel Energy Center Wednesday, but the setup and rehearsals are already underway.
Just like last year, about 18,000 middle school and high school students will fill the Xcel as a reward for community service projects they've completed or plan to do.
When you have that many guests coming, you've got to make sure everything runs smoothly. And when some of them are returning guests, you've got to make the show different. This year, there are four stages instead of just one.
"We have everything from a new stage layout to a new format. They are not walking into the same show. They are walking into a brand new show with a new theme," executive producer Lina Beaudin said.
Beaudin is in charge of the 5-hour-long lineup of speakers and entertainers.
"We are hiding behind the masks. These masks allow us to do changeovers when people are speaking and then we have an incredible team of stage managers and productions managers who have got it down to a science," Beaudin said.
While in their seats, the students will be encouraged to get up.
"Crowd pumpers are supposed to get the audience up on their feet, enjoying the show and just living it up, to be excited about being here," volunteer Terrance Johnson said.
"It's mostly because these kids are coming school so they are in their seats most of the day and they don't really get to get up and be crazy and be individuals. Here they really get to express themselves and be unique," another volunteer, Madi Cooperman, added.
The show starts around 9:15 a.m. and goes until 2 o'clock in the afternoon. This year's theme is empowerment.
Some of the big names that'll be on stage at the Xcel include basketball legend Magic Johnson, actor Martin Sheen, The Band Perry and singer Colbie Caillat.
If your school district is not involved, they can certainly still sign up and get on board for next year. You can't buy a ticket to We Day; you have to earn it through volunteer work. It is now an annual event in Minnesota.
