'Screech' visits campus

Proving he's more than just "Samuel 'Screech' Powers," stand up comedian Dustin Diamond will perform at Indiana Memorial Union's Alumni Hall at 7:30 p.m. today. Tickets are only $5.\nKnown for his role as Saved by the Bell's biggest nerd, Diamond will make his first appearance at IU. Students will have a chance to see the star of one of their favorite childhood sitcoms right on campus.\n"Stand-up comedy is just an extension of Dustin's career," Diamond's manager Jack Koshick said. "He's still an actor appearing in 17 films and is scheduled to do five more this year."\nWhen Diamond is not filming or doing television, he's busy touring the country, selling out colleges and comedy clubs. He's a non-stop traveler doing 300 shows a year, his manager said.\n"Every place he's been to has sold out," Koshick said. "The guy even gets standing ovations."\nAs one of the most recognizable faces in show business, Diamond's past shows have been a huge success on other college campuses. His stand up act has been described as so hilarious that he "brings down the house."\nThe live performance for IU students today will be shaped by Diamond's collaboration with Saturday Night Live writers.\n"Dustin and Ferris Butler from SNL have been working together, but that is only a small part of the show," Koshick said. "Dustin is an observational comic. He'll start with 'Saved by the Bell' because that's what people want to hear."\nBut Diamond has done more in the past than roam Bayside High's halls. He has appeared in 17 featured films including, "Big Top Pee Wee", "Big Fat Liar" and "Made" and has made guest appearances on "Weakest Link", "Celebrity Boxing 2", "Star Dates" and "Wrestlemania." Diamond recently finished shooting the new David Spade film, "Dickie Roberts," and fans should also look for his bass talents in the band, "Salty the Pocketknife," whose self-titled debut album is slated to be released in May 2003.\nAfter the show, students will be able to meet and take pictures with Diamond. Sophomore and fan Dana Wolk said she can't wait.\n"I always loved Saved by the Bell as a kid," Wolk said. "I've seen every episode so it is cool to have someone you practically grew up with come to visit."\nTickets are $10 for non-students and can be purchased at the IMU Activities Desk, other Ticketmaster locations or at the door. Seating is general admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.\nClaire Tramm, marketing director for the Union Board, is excited and confident that the show will be a success for IU students, considering Diamond's past performances.\n"It's definitely going to be a nice show," Tramm said. "We set up a small venue, but it's for more people to get a close-up and get pictures taken. The show will give students a more personal atmosphere"