Jorgensen brings “Panther Trivia” to UNI

Do you enjoy trivia? Would you like to see a television show on a local channel featuring your friends and classmates?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, you're in luck. Senior electronic media major Dru Jorgensen has created a television show titled, "Panther Trivia" that will air on the University of Northern Iowa cable channel this fall.

Jorgensen was involved with the production of "Panther Shout Out," a "Jeopardy"-like game show that aired several years ago on UNI Cable.

"Panther Trivia" is more like "Cash Cab," only it takes place in Maucker Union, he said.

"My original idea was to have a show entirely of pre-planned skits, kind of like Saturday Night Live," Jorgensen said. "However, doing a trivia show gets students more involved."

Jorgensen is the creator, producer, writer and director of the show. Sean Presnall will serve as the co-director and Angela Deharty will be the assistant director. Mat Chapman will design the graphics and Callie McKimpson will be assisting with production. Joyce Chen will be the faculty advisor.

According to Jorgensen, anyone can be a contestant on the show.

"If you are 85 and want to be quizzed on mammals or you're 22 and want to be quizzed on Adam Sandler movies, (you can compete)," he said.

Winners will receive prizes including free T-shirts from Universitees and burritos from Panchero's.

The process of preparing the show, according to Jorgensen, includes approval from the electronic media department and format planning.

"We will pull random contestants from Maucker Union, and they (can) pick the topic," Jorgensen said.

The show will also feature "commercial breaks" that will actually be fake commercials and possibly music videos, similar to the SNL skits that Jorgensen wanted.

Filming for "Panther Trivia" begins Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. and will continue throughout the month every Wednesday.

Jorgensen expects "Panther Trivia" to start airing at the end of September.

"We want to get enough footage for six episodes," Jorgensen said. "Come be on the show ... it should be a lot of fun! It can be a great memory to add to your college experience, and you are capable of winning prizes."