Gallery • 39 Photos

Photos by Lindsey Pruett ; [email protected]

Many talented artists and performers showcased their talent and passions at this year’s Coffee House on Sept. 17. A variety of grade levels and acts were represented: musicians, dancers, poets, and stand-up comedians. Many spent their Friday and Saturday night drinking coffee and eating snacks while enjoying the entertainment and company of friends.

“[The entire production] happens in the time span of a week” senior Zainab Saylawala said. Saylawala was in charge of running this show, since she is the vice president of Theatre Central (TC). The event was Friday and Saturday night, hosted by Theatre Central and sponsored by Mr. Ulbrich.

“[Coffee House] is just a way to showcase your talent to the school, and lets other clubs see your talent and recruit you,” Saylawala said. “The auditions are also really low-key.”

The process of putting this together was very quick, but also tedious. Auditions were held Monday and Tuesday, and the decision was made by Tuesday. Friday after school, all Theatre Central board members and other volunteers set up the whole show, moving equipment from the auditorium to the cafeteria, which takes several hours. Saylawala and the executive board members MC the show, writing the entire script for the hosts.

“People who are in the show Saturday night and the TC board members have to clean up and move everything back to where it came from” Saylawala said. “It’s a late Saturday night; we don’t leave until 1 or 2 am.”

Many performers on Saturday night were nervously awaiting their turn backstage.

“It’s for everyone, both for those performing and for those who aren’t,” senior Kristina Bozza said. Bozza was one of many who played her guitar and sang a cover of a song, in this case, “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.”

Jeremy Lin, an english teacher, performed on the piano, and he was the only staff member who participated in Coffee House.

“I love Coffee House,” Bozza said.  “I want more people to try in the future.People just don’t know that this is a platform for those who want it.”

There were several singers and dancers, but only one poet and one stand-up comedian.

“A diversity of performers makes it more enjoyable and [appeals] to a wider audience,” Bozza said.

Jasper Yoon, another senior at Central, was the only stand-up comedian who auditioned.

“I love Coffee House,” Yoon said. “It’s a great atmosphere and filled with a lot of creative people. It’s dope.”

He also agreed with Bozza.

“I am the only stand-up comedian, and I want more people to audition,” Yoon said.

Coffee House is the first of many shows put on by Theatre Central. It is also Ulbrich’s last year at Central. This was his last Coffee House, and TC’s shows of this 2016-2017 school year will be his last.