Oak Bay High students showcase talents for each other and the public in the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre tomorrow.
“It’s an annual event that Oak Bay High puts together. It’s more like a talent show. It’s more like an open stage night,” said organizer Alicia Chan.
The Grade 11 student says the showcase usually includes singing, dancing, poetry and comedy. But this year, the focus is all music.
“This is a great opportunity for students to get up on stage and show off what they can do. It’s amazing how much talent at Oak Bay is ‘hidden under a bushel’ so to speak,” said Steve Price, fine arts teacher and theatre manager at Oak Bay High. “The open mic night gives the student sat Oak Bay a chance to perform in a friendly and reasonably low-stress environment.”
Chan remembers being surprised to see some of her classmates perform during the auditioned event in her Grade 9 year.
“It’s a good opportunity to show what you can do. A lot of people don’t know what they can do and don’t know what each other can do,” Chan said. “It takes confidence. You have to be confident in what you can do, but it’s also a competition. You can win so there’s incentive to go on stage.”
First place earns $100 and second and third get $50 each. A trio of fine arts teachers judge the competitors.
The music-heavy competition this year sits well with Chan as it’s among her favourite aspects of the annual event.
“It’s just your voice. there’s nothing else happening. It’s pretty cool to hear that,” Chan said. “I’m looking forward to the band. It’s one of the more different acts to everyone else.”
Open Mic Night is Thursday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. at Oak Bay High.
“Anyone is welcome to come and watch,” Chan said.