WW ’16: Behind the planning process of the student-staff talent show

Above, the WHS Madrigals perform in December. The Madrigals are one of many acts that will perform in this years student-staff talent show. Chemistry teacher Corrine Lowen, who organized the show, explained that the show is open to all members of the WHS community. You just have to have something fun that you want to do, Lowen said.

Credit: Natalie Hsu

Above, the WHS Madrigals perform in December. The Madrigals are one of many acts that will perform in this year’s student-staff talent show. Chemistry teacher Corrine Lowen, who organized the show, explained that the show is open to all members of the WHS community. “You just have to have something fun that you want to do,” Lowen said.

Janani Gandhi and Masha Yakhkind

This year’s student-staff talent show will be held Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. as part of WHS’ annual Winter Week. The show will feature a variety of acts performed by members of the WHS community. All ticket proceeds will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Chemistry teacher Corrine Lowen, who organizes the annual show, started the show eight years ago along with former biology teacher Helen Rainoff in order to raise money for cancer research.

“We decided to do the talent show to get the entire community involved with our fundraising and to help support us through this marathon,” Lowen said.

Lowen chooses a student to direct the show and makes sure that enough acts have signed up. This year’s student director is Juli Richards. There is a wide range of acts, including music, rap, and dance, which students and staff will perform.

Senior Liana Frangioni choreographs multiple numbers each year, including a dance number for a group of teachers.

“The teachers will be performing to some fun jazz and upbeat music. They’re doing a great job, and they catch on very quickly,” Frangioni said. “They look fantastic.”

Frangioni also choreographs the student-run Window Dance Ensemble’s talent show performances.

Over the years, Lowen has particularly enjoyed acts in which teachers and students performed together.

“There was one year when we had [teaching assistant Jared] Walsh sing with students. For example, we’ve had teachers accompany students that sing, and the teacher would play piano,” Lowen said.

Although the student-staff talent show is usually an annual event, it did not take place last year. According to Lowen, the school calendar was already booked, and there were no open slots for the show. However, this year, the show will run again.

Lowen encourages WHS staff and students to consider participating in the future.

“Anyone can sign up, and you don’t even need a lot of talent,” Lowen said. “You just have to have something fun that you want to do.”

Tickets will be available at the door for $10.