Up Late On the Air

A late night television talk show run by Marshall University's journalism students, Up Late starts off its 10h season of production with its first studio live show Saturday.

Up Late will be broadcasting the show live on channel 25, Marshall's educational channel, at 11 p.m.

The hour-long show will feature eight segments, including a guest appearance by Keith Morehouse and live music by local band, Coyotes in Boxes. Contestants will also have a chance to participate in the game show ‘What the Hell is That?!' Saturday's show will be ran by veteran students under the direction of Bennett Siffrin and technical director Brittany Barnes.

Viewers will also be able to watch the show streaming live on Up Late's website, marshall.edu/uplate.  Unlike watching it on channel 25, viewers will also be able to see the behind the scenes footage streaming live.  This allows the viewers to see the director calling the shots, producer talking to the director and most importantly what goes on during a live broadcast. Jamie LoFiego, host, said this is an exciting aspect to the show because it is something viewers normally do not get a chance to see.

LoFiego said live shows are different from most shows because they take planning –– behind the scenes, everyone has to be at least two steps ahead. Having a background in production, LoFiego said he was "thrusted in as host," having to trust his students to run the show.

LoFiego said he is most excited about, "not just doing the show live but watching the students get the bands ready and mic'd up while the show is going on."

"Viewers may not think something is the funniest or understand the humor, but it gives students a chance to work on a TV show," LoFiego said.

This is the last season of Up Late for Patrick Webb, veteran cast member. Webb said his first semester at Marshall, he came and watched every show in the audience even if he was the only one there. Webb's first comedy bit on the show was "Survivor Man," where he taught students how to survive on campus.

"The students get a chance to experience working on a television show when most might not have ever gotten the opportunity," Webb said.

Webb stars in four of the six bits that will air Saturday, one which will visit J.J. Smart, former character of Webb's.

The show will be free, but seating is limited. For reservations, email watchuplate@marshall.edu.

The show will also be broadcast on WSAZ after Saturday Night Live.

Joanie Borders can be contacted at borders9@marshall.edu.