On Sunday night, Schwab Auditorium hosted the THON 2026 Showcase, with 13 different acts competing to win a grand prize of $3,000 credited toward their fundraising goals and a secured performance during THON Weekend. With THON Weekend less than three weeks away, performing groups gathered together a sold-out crowd in the auditorium to help build anticipation and community.

This year’s judge panel included THON 2026 Executive Director Benjamin Roitman and the Braeden Fleagle family. Throughout the evening, performances spanned a diverse group of talent, including singers, acapella groups, dance groups, and more.

Performing acts included: Penn State Dance Alliance, The Statesmen, Tapestry, Vole, Joe Downs, Nittany Dance Project, Urban Dance Troupe, The Coda Conduct, Orchesis, Natalie McMahon, Penn State Lyrical Line, The Singing Lions, and Whiplash. Despite a stacked lineup, only five groups walked away with a prize, but all left with more love for the kids in their hearts.

Tapestry Dance Company came in fifth place, raising $250 in crediting funds for their organization. The group dedicated their performance to their two THON families and performed a nostalgic mashup of Disney Channel Original Movie songs. Songs from Camp Rock and High School Musical got the crowd hyped up.

The next announced winner was Urban Dance Troupe, placing fourth after an upbeat Black Eyed Peas mashup. With hit songs like “Let’s Get It Started” and “Rock That Body,” Penn State’s first official hip-hop dance group certainly gave it their all to take home the prize.

Vole brought home the third-place prize and a total of $1,000 in crediting funds for their organization. Dressed in an all-black clothing ensemble, the group danced to “Somebody That I Used To Know” and dazzled the crowd.

In second place came Orchesis Dance, which was fortunate to bring home $2,000 in crediting funds after an emotional performance to Coldplay’s “Yellow.” Theirs was one of many Coldplay hits of the night, and dressed in yellow gowns, it certainly conveyed a deep meaning.

Last but certainly not least, Whiplash took home the first place and an extra performance spot. In a Super Bowl-inspired performance, the group donned black jerseys with a “26” across the front while they grooved to the best songs of the year. The team will take home $3,000 in crediting funds to their organization.

At the conclusion of all of the performances, chairs and representatives from each organization also shared a part of their story with the audience and why they THON.

Prior to the judge’s decisions, Easton Fleagle, part of the Fleagle family, also made a guest performance singing “Yellow” and “A Sky Full Of Stars” by Coldplay. He then played his own original song, “She Got Away,” and received multiple standing ovations from the crowd. Easton introduced his brother, Braeden, to share his story.

We dance in 18, folks!