History compiled by Tom Pilotte, Executive Producer of Season Six and Jeffrey Higgens, Executive Producer for Season Eight and Nine
Roots
BSU Late Night was formerly known as "Sum It Up," an informational talk show that featured a single comedy segment that was unfortunately titled, the "Bit O' Humor." Kevin McCaffrey took over as host of Sum It Up in the Fall of 2000, and McCaffrey, Shane Heimann, Ryan Middleton, Jaimie Hughes, and Justin Zellers all underclassmen, changed the format of the show to a late night talk and sketch comedy show.
Season 1 (2001-2002)
The show officially became BSU Late Night in the fall of 2001. In 2001, Middleton, a sophomore, came on as a writer and co-host of the show. The first writing / producing team was made up of the aforementioned five people, as well as seniors Rob Probus, and Ryan Schenkel. The show produced 12 episodes in the 2001-2002 school year, and ended the year with an hour long season finale that was its first show in front of a studio audience.
Season 2 (2002-2003)
In the 2002-2003 school year, the show's staff expanded, and began running weekly, finishing the season with 19 episodes. That year culminated in the BSU Late Night's first live show in front of a studio audience.
Season 3 (2003-2004)
The following year, in 2003-2004, the show filmed in front of a live audience every single week, with a live band in studio, and produced 22 shows, which included two hour long specials, and an April Fool's Day show that was a parody of Saturday Night Live. The end of that season saw the departure of the original creators of the show.
Season 4 (2004-2005)
The fourth season (2004-05) was faced with the challenge replacing many of the original creators and producers of BSU Late Night, including filling the roles of the host and co-host. Seniors Nick Pride and Jon Daly took over and the show saw an influx of new creative talent, as well as increased audience attendance.
Season 5 (2005-2006)
BSULN�s fifth season offered a very large obstacle to overcome. Two years removed from the original creators� departures, the show suffered through much instability. Lineup changes and producer departures during the middle of the year resulted in the production of only ten shows during the course of the season. However, it was during this season that BSULN made the move from the outdated Studio D to WIPB�s more advanced and more pristine Studio A.
Season 6 (2006-2007)
Entering BSU Late Night�s sixth season, more changes were made. Joe McCaffrey, who had co-hosted four shows the year before, stepped in as the host, and new-comer Jeff Lock became the co-host. This year has seen an enormous improvement over the last, including an increasing fan-base, a larger number of new members (especially underclassmen), as well as a renewed sense of energy and excitement regarding the show. Although only 12 episodes would be produced this season, it was expected that during the show�s seventh season the number will increase.
Season 7 (2007-2008)
BSU Late Night's seventh season (2007-2008) started out with Stuart Cotton as co-host, but later switched to Landon Knepp after a few episodes. Renee Greathouse became Executive Producer, and more members were recruited to help during the show's production. During the second half of the season, shows were filmed weekly, resulting in a total of 13 episodes. The season finale had a large attendance, with all of Ball State invited through the internet and fliers around campus.
Season 8 (2008-2009)
In the eighth season of the show, Mike Taylor hosted and Landon Knepp hosted for the first half of the season. Upon Knepp's departure, Shane Magwire took over as cohost for the second half of the season. This year, a new management team for CardinalVision was in place, resulting in stricter policies that have never been seen at the network. Two versions of most episodes were created, one to suite the high demands of CardinalVision and another for the public to view online.
Season 9 (2009-2010)
In the ninth season, Mike Taylor and Shane Magwire hosted the show. Shane Magwire stepped into the position of hosting with numerous guest co-hosts until Kenny Stevenson was named co-host for the episode. Near the end of the season, Lee, a Ball State exchange student from South Korea, stepped in front of the camera and even assumed a role as guest co-host for a number of episodes. The show also saw an increase in participation from the previous season from females as well as individuals from the Honors College, and even used Craigslist.org to recuit a number of music guests. BSU Late Night went from airing on-campus to on Comcast's On Demand > Get Local section. The season finale was shot in high-definition through a colaberative efforts of Season Ten's Executive Producer Daniel Fleming, Mark Klink, and Season Nine's Executive Producer Jeffrey Higgens.
Season 10 (2010-2011)
Stay tuned...
Beyond Late Night
Members of the first BSU Late Night team have gone on to work for such places as The Late Show with David Letterman, The Daily Show, Saturday Night Live, The Weather Channel, and various VH1 and MTV shows.
Alumni
Season Nine
Jeffrey Higgens
Clinton Zaayer
Season Eight
Stuart Cotton
Landon Knepp
Season Seven
Joe McCaffrey
Renee Greathouse
Ryan Carney
Season Six
Jeff Lock
Jeff Christener
Natalie Combs
Luke Lakomy
Tom Pilotte
Tommy Fix
Season Five
Dusty Sheckles
Season Four
Nick Pride
Jon Daly
Jeff Gritton
Jamie Gething
Mike Lyon
Season Three
Kevin McCaffrey
Ryan Middleton
Shane Heimann
Elizabeth Kuchta
Pete Ellingsworth
Shawna Dent
Season Two
Jaimie Hughes
Justing Zellers
Season One
Rob Probus
Ryan Schenkel