The Bermuda College will be having its own Oscars on Saturday night.

The college?s drama group, the BC Players, will be sponsoring the Appreciation Reception and Awards Night under the direction of co-curricular activities co-ordinator Gina Spence-Farmer.

?The whole idea is to highlight and celebrate both the artistic and academic achievement of students in the performing arts ? with the glitz and glamour of the Oscars,? said Mrs. Spence-Farmer.

The event will feature performances from United Dance Productions, Cia Spence, Sea Breeze salsa dancers, Stephanie Pacheco, Bermuda College Choir and Shoa Bean choreographer.

Mrs. Spence-Farmer said the BC Players had decided to hold the Oscars night as a fund raiser so that they could raise money for a college trip.

?The idea came from the students and it was a a good idea to get dressed up in formal wear,? said Mrs Spence-Farmer.

Drama Club president Kaya Robinson, secretary Ambika Scott, vice president Sakera Spence, and countless other students were all involved in were all involved in hatching the idea and the event planning of the Oscars night.

The students are raising funds for an educational tour to New York City in June.

?They have been washing cars, and holding events to raise the funds and so far they have raised $2,000,? said Mrs. Spence-Farmer.

?In April they are putting on a two night play in aid of the trip as well.

?They had to come up with ideas for two major fundraisers and when they came back in the New Year they thought about how they wanted to pursue it.

?Duties were handed out and everyone has done their part in getting things organised.

?Most departments of the college are involved and everyone has done what they can, whether it is designing promotional material, Power Point presentations, photographing, selling tickets and organising the food and drinks. It is a good lesson in event planning.?

Mrs. Spencer Farmer said the students came up with the dress code and she said everyone was looking forward to walking down the red carpet.

The New York trip includes a drama workshop at NYC and a visit the set of BET?s 106 & Park where students will meet with presenters.

They will also go to the Metropolitan Museum and pay a visit to the Alvin Ailey dance school and will either see Russell Simmons of Def Poetry or a performance of ?The Lion King?.

The students have been nominated for four categories ? promising performer, most artistic performer, most dedicated performer and most outstanding overall.

?What was interesting for me was how all the votes, in all the areas, were so close ? it was difficult to make a decision on the winners,? said Mrs. Spence-Farmer.

A cocktail reception gets underway at 7 p.m. and the awards and presentations begin at 8 p.m.