Student Talent Show
- What
- Student Talent Show
- When
- 1/30/2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Annual Hamilton Preparatory School Talent Show provides a stage for students to showcase unique abilities and creative talents. This entertaining evening features diverse acts celebrating the many gifts of our student body.
**Event Details:**
- **Where:** School Auditorium (400 seats)
- **Tickets:** $5 students/seniors, $8 adults, families $25 (advance purchase recommended)
- **Duration:** Approximately 2 hours with intermission
- **Coordinator:** Student Activities Director Ms. Nicole Chen
## This Year's Acts
20 acts selected from 35 auditions, featuring 45 student performers:
**Musical Performances:**
- **Sarah Chen** (Grade 11) - Violin solo, Paganini Caprice
- **Marcus Johnson & The Phoenix Band** (Grades 10-12) - Rock band performing original songs
- **Isabella Martinez** (Grade 12) - Vocal performance, "Defying Gravity" from Wicked
- **Emily Park** (Grade 10) - Piano solo, Chopin Nocturne
- **Jazz Quartet** - Alex Rodriguez, Kevin O'Brien, Ryan Patel, Jordan Kim - Jazz standards
**Dance Performances:**
- **Sophia Williams** (Grade 11) - Contemporary dance solo
- **Phoenix Dance Crew** (8 members, Grades 8-10) - Hip-hop routine
- **Aisha Mohammed & Emma Liu** (Grade 10) - Bollywood dance fusion
- **Ballet Trio** - Maria Santos, Emma Rodriguez, Tyler Chen - Classical ballet
**Vocal Performances:**
- **David Kim** (Grade 9) - Singer-songwriter, original compositions with guitar
- **Phoenix Harmonies** (16 members) - A cappella medley
- **Duet: Isabella Santos & Marcus Williams** - Musical theater duet from "Hamilton"
**Comedy and Variety:**
- **Tyler Martinez** (Grade 11) - Stand-up comedy routine (school-appropriate!)
- **Magic Act: Alex Thompson** (Grade 9) - Card tricks and illusions
- **Jasmine Williams** (Grade 10) - Spoken word poetry performance
**Special Acts:**
- **Martial Arts Demonstration** - Kevin O'Connor (Grade 12) - Taekwondo forms
- **Jump Rope Team** (6 members, Grade 7) - Synchronized jump rope tricks
- **Beatbox Performance** - Ryan Foster (Grade 9) - Vocal percussion showcase
- **Faculty Surprise Act** - Teachers perform secret act (audience favorite!)
## Audition Process
All acts auditioned before panel:
- Ms. Nicole Chen, Student Activities Director
- Mr. Gregory Thomas, Music Director
- Ms. Rebecca Sterling, Theater Director
- Student Body President Marcus Chen
- Vice President Sophia Williams
Criteria:
- Talent and skill level
- Entertainment value
- School-appropriateness
- Act variety for balanced show
- 3-5 minute time limit per act
## Program Format
**7:00 PM - Pre-Show**
- Doors open, seating begins
- Background music, slide show of student photos
- Purchase refreshments
**7:15 PM - Welcome**
- Student hosts: Marcus Chen and Sophia Williams
- Welcome from Principal Dr. Richardson
- Performance guidelines for audience
**7:25-8:15 PM - Act 1**
- 10 performances
- Student hosts introduce each act with fun facts
**8:15-8:30 PM - Intermission**
- Refreshments available
- Visit photo booth
- Browse talent show program
**8:30-9:15 PM - Act 2**
- 10 performances
- Faculty surprise act
- Grand finale with all performers
**9:15-9:25 PM - Closing**
- Thank you to participants
- Audience Choice Award announced (voted during intermission)
- All performers take final bow
## Behind the Scenes
**Technical Crew** (12 students):
- **Stage Manager:** Sarah Thompson (Grade 12)
- **Lighting Design:** Alex Rodriguez (Grade 11) - programming 30+ lighting cues
- **Sound Engineer:** Ryan Patel (Grade 10) - managing microphones, music tracks
- **Backstage Crew:** 6 students managing props, scene changes, performer coordination
- **House Manager:** Student volunteers managing audience, tickets, ushers
**Faculty Support:**
- Ms. Nicole Chen - Overall coordination
- Mr. Gregory Thomas - Musical act coaching
- Ms. Rebecca Sterling - Performance coaching
- Mr. Anthony Russo - Set design
- IT team - Technical support
## Preparation
**Rehearsals:**
- **Tech Week:** April 22-25, after-school rehearsals
- **Dress Rehearsal:** Thursday April 25, full run-through with costumes, lights, sound
- **Individual coaching:** Available upon request
**Performer Requirements:**
- Attend all scheduled rehearsals
- Submit music tracks/technical requirements by deadline
- Provide own costumes/props
- Arrive 90 minutes before showtime
- Sign performance agreement (safety, appropriate content)
## Audience Experience
**Amenities:**
- Reserved seating (tickets indicate seat numbers)
- Accessible seating for wheelchairs
- Refreshment stand (cookies, brownies, popcorn, drinks)
- Photo booth with props
- Program with performer bios
- Restrooms easily accessible
**Audience Choice Award:**
- Audience votes for favorite act during intermission
- Winner receives trophy, gift card, recognition
- Previous winners: Alex Rodriguez (saxophone), Phoenix Dance Crew, Sophia Williams (singer)
## Refreshments
Parent Association operates concession stand:
- Cookies: $1
- Brownies: $1.50
- Popcorn: $2
- Water/juice: $1
- Soda: $1.50
- Candy: $1
Proceeds support student activities and next year's talent show.
## Tickets
- **Purchase:** Online through school website or at door (subject to availability)
- **Prices:** $5 students/seniors, $8 adults, $25 families (up to 5)
- **Seating:** Reserved seating, select seats when purchasing online
- **Sold out shows:** Purchase early! Last two years sold out in advance
## Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible seating (indicate when purchasing)
- Assistive listening devices available at box office
- Sign language interpreter for hearing impaired (request in advance)
- Service animals welcome
- Sensory-friendly accommodations available upon request
## Photography/Video
- Professional photographer captures performances
- Photos available for purchase (online gallery)
- Video recording for performers only (not public distribution)
- Audience encouraged to take photos (no flash during performances)
- Share on social media with #HamiltonPrepTalent
## Post-Show
- Reception in lobby with light refreshments
- Meet performers, take photos
- Cast and crew strike set (volunteers welcome)
- Video clips shared with performers
## Talent Show History
- Annual tradition since 1995
- Showcases over 100 acts over the years
- Launched performing careers for some alumni
- Builds confidence, community
- Celebrates student diversity and creativity
Notable alumni who performed:
- Professional singer Emily Chen (Class of 2015)
- Broadway performer Michael Rodriguez (Class of 2012)
- Comedy writer Sarah Thompson (Class of 2018)
## Benefits of Participation
Performing teaches:
- Public speaking and stage presence
- Confidence building
- Time management (balancing rehearsals with academics)
- Overcoming fear and taking risks
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Dedication and practice
- Celebration of individual gifts
"Performing in the talent show was terrifying but transformational. The support from the audience gave me confidence I carry into all areas of life." - Senior Marcus Johnson
## Join Next Year
Students interested in performing:
- Auditions held in February
- All talent levels welcome
- Solo acts and groups (up to 10 members)
- Acts must be school-appropriate
- 3-5 minutes per act
- Info session in January
Behind-the-scenes opportunities:
- Technical crew (lights, sound, stage management)
- Publicity team (posters, social media)
- Hospitality (refreshments, ushers)
- No performance experience needed
The Talent Show celebrates the diverse gifts within Hamilton Preparatory School community, providing students opportunity to shine, take risks, and inspire others. Come support student performers and be entertained by incredible talent!