Students packed into the lower level seating at D.L. Ligon Coliseum to see comedian Orlando Baxter on Aug. 22.

The Office of Student Development and Orientation hosted the comedy event as part of the Mustang Roundup festivities for incoming freshman.

Ruby Arriaga, student development and orientation activities coordinator, said, “We wanted a comedian that caters to incoming freshman or incoming students. He tells a lot of jokes about high school because he was a teacher, so we thought it would be really funny to have someone who had that experience for new students that just left high school.”

According to Arriaga, Baxter was booked for just under $2000 after discovering him on Agency Online.

Three years ago the Boston native decided to pursue his passion and follow the advice he gave students by performing comedy full time.

“When I was a high school teacher, I would always tell kids to follow their dreams,” Baxter said. “I felt like a hypocrite because I always wanted to try it [comedy] and eventually I did it.”

He said he loves the performing aspect of comedy and the effect it has on the audience.

“It’s a conversation where I get to talk and everyone laughs. It’s like a one sided conversation that I enjoy so that’s my favorite part,” Baxter said. “After the show, it’s great to meet people and hear them say they were going through some rough times but the laughter helped them forget about it.”

During the show Baxter told stories of his days as a high school teacher. Students related to his experiences and laughed through the entire performance.

Caylen Myracle, accounting freshman, said she came to the event for Mustang Roundup Week.

“I thought Orlando Baxter was pretty funny. It was nice to relax for a while because this week has been crazy with Move-in-Day and all the Mustang Roundup stuff,” Myracle said. “It was funny to hear about the high school stories. I just graduated in May, so I knew exactly what he was talking about when he was a teacher.”

According to Emory Arnold, music sophomore, Baxter’s performance kept her laughing.

“I came to this event because I like comedy and there was nothing else to do. I thought it was awesome and would definitely come again,” Arnold said.

Baxter performs in comedy clubs around the country and has upcoming international performances in Scotland, Paris and London.