JACKSON, Tenn. — July 10, 2023 — Ethan Voss, a 51社区 senior from Olathe, Kansas, is spending his summer interning with the popular YouTube group, Dude Perfect.
Voss, a broadcast journalism major who has been a fan of Dude Perfect鈥檚 sports videos for years, has found himself immersed in the world of special effects and stage management during the nationwide Panda-Monium tour.
Dude Perfect rose to fame on YouTube with their unique blend of sports videos and trick shots. Their success has since expanded into a media empire, capturing the attention of millions of viewers across various platforms.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e a group of five guys that hit it gold at the right time on YouTube doing a very niche genre of sports videos,鈥� Voss said. 鈥淏ut essentially, at the core of it, it鈥檚 five big kids. And they love to play, they love to have a time and go crazy with sports to the highest level.鈥�
As the special effects director for the Panda-Monium tour, Voss takes charge of all the special effects elements during the show. From managing smoke and cryo jets to coordinating confetti and low fog, he ensures that every aspect of the production runs smoothly. Voss also works closely with local stagehands, directing and organizing their tasks throughout the show.
The tour has already taken Voss and the Dude Perfect team to various cities across the United States. Starting in Savannah, Georgia, and moving through cities like Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, and Baltimore, they are set to visit 24 cities in 39 days. It鈥檚 the second summer for Voss to work with Dude Perfect.
鈥淭he best part every night is just getting to interact with the fans because that was me when I was little,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o have a part in giving another kid the experience that I had is just incredible.鈥�
Voss acknowledges that his education at Union has played a significant role in his development 鈥� both in and out of the classroom. His coursework has equipped him with essential skills in promotion, public relations and teamwork, and he has taken advantage of opportunities outside the classroom to learn about technology in events for Greek life and Welcome Week.
Dude Perfect's influence extends beyond sports entertainment. Voss said the team incorporates their faith into their shows, and every event includes a dedicated time for the 鈥渄udes鈥� to share their testimonies and present the gospel to the crowd.
鈥淭hat was just the biggest encouragement to me and looking at an industry that seems so secular,鈥� Voss said. 鈥淭hat's a big reason why I chose Union -- to prepare me as a believer to go into that secular field and to see people that are able to do it and to glorify Christ.鈥�