Caleb Masterson, Editor-in-Chief
July 8, 2023
On Friday, July 7, the entirety of the Governor’s Scholars Program piled into Johnson Theatre in order to observe the spectacle of talent that is the GSP Showcase. The long-held artistic tradition continued as scholars performed a variety of acts for the entertainment of their peers.
Acts ranged from piano pieces to the GSPlayers’ kazoo cover of The Backstreet Boys, and the crowd of scholars burst into impassioned applause after every act. Many Scholars felt empowered to perform after seeing the success of the first week’s performers.
“The first week’s acts were so good, and honestly, it was so inspirational for us,” said Eden Anderson, a kazoo player in the Showcase.
“I saw a lot of performances that were really great, and they really helped me step up here and perform,” said Lincoln Helm, a ukulele player who covered a song for the Showcase. “I definitely had some friends begging me to play ‘Riptide’.”
For many, the Showcase was all about letting loose and being comfortable with oneself.
“Our idea started with us just having fun with kazoos,” said Eden. “Then we thought about how we could bring that fun to the audience.”
“This was my first time performing in a place like this,” said Lincoln. “My body felt really nervous, but my head felt clear and ready to play before I went on stage.”
This week’s performers included: Samuel Limbong, Azlyn Goodyke, Hunter Falls, Mariana Grabova, Aiden Grooms, Taylor Likens, Lawson Zaring, Rina Macarenas, Micah Whitson, Eden Anderson, Lillian Tompkins, Mason Katon, Merry Parrent, Henry Campbell, Opal Best, Meredith Burk, Vivi Butler, Lincoln Helm, Emmanuel Fasipe, Brenna Sherrill, Megan Sampson, Avery Allen, Mikayla Hagen, William Isaac, Drew Jordan, Eli Mefford, Olivia Fulcher, and Emma Hetzel.
