BY JOSEPH STURGEON
The first session of this year’s Variety Show act tryouts began on September 18 at 2:45 p.m. in the chorus room, followed by a second session of the same time and place on September 20. Scheduled to show on November 29 and 30, this year’s Variety Show is headed by CCHS teachers Ms. Shea and Mr. Pichardo. Tryouts consisted of singers, rappers, dancers, drummers and a rock band as well.
Performers were expected to prepare a two to three minute performance, with any instruments or backing they might need to enhance their stage presence. While the acts showed their talents one by one, Mr. Pichardo and Ms. Shea, along with the show’s hosts, sat across the chorus room, evaluating whether each performer was suitable for the show.
“The hosts and the class officers get together and then watch the acts and we try to find a nice variety,” Ms. Shea said. “Different kinds of music, different kinds of songs, different kinds of genres, different kinds of dancing, all of it.”
“The hosts and the class officers get together and then watch the acts and we try to find a nice variety.”
The Variety Show is among a plethora of fine arts showings hosted at Cooper City High, and unlike a Thespians showing, the Variety Show focuses on individual talent rather than a single piece that requires the effort of multiple people. Various performers will take turns showing off their songs and dances.
A variety of students showed up to tryout, whether they were seniors or freshmen, or performing solo or duet pieces. Many of the tryouts were singers, performing covers of songs such as “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys or “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.
“I just love performing in front of people,” sophomore Kylee Blair said. “I love playing guitar and singing; it’s very important to me.
While some performers went acapella, others decided to bring instruments to accompany them as they performed. Some of these instruments included the ukulele, electric guitar and the drums.
“It’s senior year, so I might as well try out, because I really enjoy performing.”
“I’ve always loved playing the ukulele,” senior Ashley Reep said. “I’ve never really tried out for a talent show, so I actually wanted to just try it and see what would happen from there.”
Many of those who tried out are hopeful and eager for a chance to show off their talents to their peers, while others are hoping to have a fun, one-of-a-kind experience before they graduate.
“I really enjoy singing and I used to perform a lot back in middle school, but all sorts of things have gotten in the way,” senior Aliceon Clemenson said. “It’s senior year, so I might as well try out, because I really enjoy performing.”
The performers whose acts are chosen to be showcased in the Variety Show will be rehearsing Tuesdays and Thursdays every week until the final show occurs in November. The Variety Show has become a CCHS tradition over the years, with each year bringing new faces and different talent.
Photo by The Lariat Photography
