Caleb Masterson, Sylvia Freire, Erin Hynes and Elias Moreno | Editors
July 5, 2023
June 30 was a day of anticipation as nerves crept into the minds of 12 scholars who would soon be performing in Johnson Theatre. This GSP tradition fills the room with laughter, applause and music as scholars demonstrate their skills.
The first showcase at GSP Murray, 2023 was a breathtaking display of the talent that left the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances covered a large range from Latin poetry to fiddle playing.
Jane Locke, scholar and showcase performer, read Aeneid Book 1 in Latin and translated it. “I’ve performed in a setting like this before— I’m in band and we do performances— but nothing as big as GSP,” Locke said. “When I stepped into the auditorium I immediately felt comfortable with everyone there. That really made me feel at ease,” Locke said.
The showcase is a great demonstration of how the culture facilitated by GSP creates a community, providing new opportunities and an accepting environment for all to feel comfortable in.
Will Isaac, scholar and showcase performer, played all parts of “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. “This is my first time doing a performance for GSP and in front of a crowd in general. Honestly I just wanted to take any opportunity I could get at GSP…The support of the crew, faculty, and fellow showcase performers has been awesome,” Isaac said.
And to Isaac’s credit, it is critical to acknowledge the behind the scenes work done by the crew. Eli Tan, Hannah Garrott, Connor Tipton, Lucy Doyle, Caroline Rismini and Amy Pan collectively set the stage for each performance. This week’s production could have never been accomplished without the crew.
Caroline Rismini reflects on her week in showcase, “This has made me grow closer to people, especially the stage crew, but also a lot of performers I didn’t know before.”
This week’s performers included: Jane Locke, Connor Price, Alexis Overberg, Trenton Schroering, Robert Hymes, Aiden Grooms, Taylor Likens, Lawson Zaring, Isaac Hay, Dalton York, Karly Jones, Adam Kolar, David Lin and Will Isaac.
Scholars line up after the first 2023 showcase performance
