TCU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter will spotlight new talent in its annual Underclassmen Cabaret.

The cabaret, directed this year by students Vincent Lopez and Brandon Mora, gives first- and second-year APO members the chance to perform.
Lopez, a junior acting major, and Mora, a senior musical theatre major, said their focus has been on creating opportunities and building community among younger members of the organization.
“When I was a performer in the Cabaret, it gave me a community of people that were united together because of their love of the arts and performing,” Lopez said. “It was such a great experience, and I wanted to be a part of creating that same experience for the underclassmen auditioning and performing this year.”
Lopez and Mora began planning the show over the summer and then worked with a student board to craft a show that fit performers’ schedules and showcases a range of theatre styles.
Mora, who also directed last year’s Cabaret, said his previous experience helped him take on a larger role this year.
“It taught me how to organize and manage a large group effectively because before that, I had never led more than 10 actors in a production, and now I’ve worked with around 60,” Mora said.
Mora said that last year’s Cabaret faced scheduling issues and multiple venue changes, which made directing especially challenging. This year, he said that having a performance space from the start helped ease stress for the directing team.

Mora plans to pursue a career as a casting director. He said that directing the Cabaret gives him a chance to develop skills directly tied to his professional goals.
“Unlike a traditional show where actors audition for specific roles, everyone who auditions is cast, and then we build the show around their strengths and potential,” Mora said.
Both directors emphasized how the cabaret is structured differently from a typical production. Instead of assigning roles beforehand, the creative team builds the show around the performers’ strengths, tailoring songs and scenes to match their abilities.
The cabaret will be performed on Nov. 20, 2025.
All funds raised from the Cabaret will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a national nonprofit supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.