While school events like football games, band concerts and pep rallies capture most of the attention, the fine arts wing has been working hard to bring a new form of entertainment to life. A varsity theater showcase has been set to perform on Nov. 7, and a handful of students have been tasked as performance leaders. Lauren Bazan, 12, William Webster, 10, and Olivia Northcutt, 11, are three out of seven students in charge of putting this showcase together and are working diligently to make sure the first varsity showcase is one to remember.
Bazan, President of the Emerson Theater Company, wanted to put emphasis on highlighting students. She and the other officers decided to give opportunities to those interested in acting, dancing, and singing.
“We decided that we would want to have a variety of ways to showcase students’ experience and talent other than just shows,” Bazan said. “We’re always looking for more ways to showcase our work, and we figured to do something in the fall.”
In alignment with Bazan, Northcutt is also proud of the autonomy students have taken with the preparation for the showcase. Creating an almost completely student-run entity has been something the students have taken pride in.
“It was made up by students. It was introduced by students. The dates were set by students. All the rehearsals are student-led,” Northcutt said. “Every student is working together to make this as beautiful and cohesive as possible.”
Alongside Bazan and Northcutt, Webster works hard as a student leader as well. Although he is now a co-choreographer, he wasn’t initially considering becoming a creative lead.
“Originally I wasn’t planning on doing it, but someone suggested me for the role and I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn and grow, so I took it,” Webster said. “It was really fun getting to choreograph everyone, and trying something I don’t normally get to do.”
On the other hand, Northcutt serves as a vocal lead, ensuring that the company produces a pleasant vocal output. She has been a choir member and is excited to use her own knowledge of the voice to help others.
“I am one of the singing leads which means I direct the singing and the vocals,” Northcutt said. “I’ve been in choir for the past three years, and have been singing for longer. It just feels really nice to use … my experience to help other people, … and watching them grow as singers and performers is just amazing.”
When preparing for such a large project, rehearsals are usually a huge part of the overall process. According to Webster, the rehearsal process is going well, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the students.
“So far, rehearsals are going really strongly. We are doing our group numbers; we have done the choreography and the music for both of those,” Webster said. “Now we have to add our own personal acts and some final touches, and we should be ready to go.”
Emerson Theater Company is working with commitment and excitement, and performance leaders are looking forward to how this showcase will turn out in the end. Make sure to stay tuned for the upcoming showcase!
