Another comedian is hoping to bring some laughs to the University. 

For its annual comedy event, Center Stage is bringing comedian Sal Vulcano, of truTV and Comedy Central’s “Impractical Jokers”, to campus on Nov. 5, 2021. 

Announced via Instagram on Oct. 24, Vulcano will be headlining and bringing with him a surprise opening act. 

“This can be a stressful part of the semester and students can attend Center Stage to have a night to laugh and decompress,” CORE President Amisha Chhetri ’22 said. 

Center Stage is one of many events organized by CORE, a club facilitated through the Campus Activities and Programs (CAP) Center, and has been held every year for at least the last 10 years, with the exception of last year as a result of COVID restrictions. 

This year, the planning was headed by Jada Lopez ’24, event manager and executive planner for Center Stage. She works closely with Chhetri and assistant director of Campus Activities and Programs Sarah Herberger to plan what the event looks like, what’s provided for students and how everything is organized.

Lopez said that the planning process has been relatively smooth, with the only issue being determining a realistic mask policy. 

“We did have to make sure Sal fit into our budget but the main concern was masking protocol,” Lopez said. “With Bucknell Refresh, we had students wear their masks in order to see the concert yet many students did not follow the rules and entered with a mask but took them off as soon as the performer got on stage. We did consider moving this event outside so that wouldn’t be a problem but quickly realized it was going to be very cold.” 

This year the comedian was chosen by a popular vote from the student body, to make the event as student driven as possible, based on a list of options generated by CORE. 

Vulcano received 75 percent of the vote, making him the clear choice as this year’s headliner. Also known as Prince Herb, as a result of a recent episode of “Impractical Jokers”, Vulcano has been a part of the cast for its past nine seasons since 2011. The show was renewed for a 10th season early this year. In addition, he has an independent stand-up and improv career. 

“Impractical Jokers” is a show about four comedians that have been friends since high school. They compete with one another to try and embarrass themselves in a series of public dares, according to truTV’s website. 

“I’ve been watching Impractical Jokers for years now. It’s so cool the University was able to have him come,” Mandy Kaylor ’25 said. 

“I’m most looking forward to seeing all my hard work pay off. Having everything in a clear schedule, seeing students enjoying themselves, and ultimately getting a closer view into how life was before COVID. Being that Center Stage didn’t happen my first year, I’m excited to see how it turns out!” Lopez said. 

“If you want to have fun, come to Center Stage. Center Stage is happening on Nov. 5 which is so close to Thanksgiving break and then to the end of the semester,” Lopez said. “Come and laugh with us and de-stress! I promise it will be a time to remember!”