Our high school is full of many talented performers. During this time of year, the school holds a show called the Showcase. This is a chance for all types of performers to stand out and show people how good they are.

Performers are starting to prepare for the audition. They are deciding what songs they want to do and what music they are using to accompany them. Only a select number of performers are picked to be in the show. In the past years, there have been people of all ages and music styles. Performers  range from senior citizens to young children.

Some returners view showcase as a talent show without winners and losers, while others see it as a performance.

The Theatre and Auditorium Coordinator Haeri Tollefson, explains,“it’s like a variety show. It’s place where people can showcase their talents.”

The show provides a unique opportunity for many talented performers. Students who do not often get the main leads in the musical or play, get a few minutes to have all the attention just focused on them.

Junior Mackenzie Moroney says, it is “my time to shine.”

There is a variety of acts presented on stage. Often, there are performers who sing long ballads, which can make a show seem very long and endless, when it continues ballad after ballad.

When asked what has been performed, Tollefson replies,”It’s whatever people want to do. We tend to have a lot of solos and duets, maybe some instrumental. One year someone did something with yo-yo’s. One year, someone did something with magic.”

To perform, hopefuls must choose an audition song. Some have been practicing their songs during the summer. Others will just play what feels the best that night.

Junior Grace Baldwin talks about what song she plans on auditioning with, “I have a few songs I could play, but it will really depends on what I’m feeling would fit best with the show!”

During a interview with Tollefson, he explains how this year there will be only one show instead of several in the same weekend. According to him, there are many other groups who need to use the auditorium during this time period. It gets all booked up. This is going to make it tough on competitors.

Artists love the idea of creating then sharing that creation with others. They are able to do this in Showcase. Tollefson has created a show that allows his performers to express who they are.

Baldwin explains,“It makes me sad that it’s only one night this year! But I really love how casual it is and the opportunity to choose what you perform without a theme.”

It is going to be tough for Tollefson to make the decision of who gets to be in the show or not. Some will be let down and others will be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully, the turn out in the audience will be quite large this year because of the limitations of performance time.