Talent Night 2006

What a resounding success!

This was the seventh (I think) annual Talent Night sponsored by the Drama Club at East Grand Forks Senior High School, and it was probably the best in terms of organization. It wasn't as well attended as the past couple years, but that's a misleading statement because the Performing Arts Center was still entirely full (the past couple years were over-packed--people sitting on the steps in the aisles). Organization was great tonight because we had so much adult assistance.

Also, it was the first year in which the Drama Club actually organized to help me; usually all the work, planning, and carry-out is mine in the name of the Club, and the students get all the benefit from gate receipts, which go into their activity account. (Bitter much? Nah.) This year, the officers arranged for volunteers who made buttons for performers and helpers to wear tonight (to show ushers who should get in free), and another set of volunteers to greet audience members, hand out programs, and help out backstage.

Several adults in the community and a couple teachers volunteered their time selling tickets, overseeing those in the house, and standing at the doors to check for tickets and prevent food and drink from sneaking in with patrons! Terry Waite, who traditionally has been our emcee, joined us again this year and did a great job again introducing each act and keeping the evening moving along. "Well, I know how to talk," he told someone afterward who complimented him on his emcee-ing skills!

Because of all the help (adult and student), everything went off without a hitch. The audience was mostly students, but they were much calmer this year than past years, and they were super supportive of every act--very well behaved. There were a couple of lovely singing/acoustic guitar-playing acts, lots of good singers, some comedy, and a couple bands. Another highlight was the showing of two student-made videos, both of which were hits with the crowd.

This past fall the Drama Club used some of their money from past talent nights to purchase a light board for the Performing Arts Center. Tonight's money will go toward restocking the account for a future purchase.