Talent night brings varied performances to highschool stage
Grisey Castor takes first place with his original rap song
Bernard the Tourist and Larry the Lobster, better known as Schuyler McMahan and Graham Farrell, keep the crowd laughing with their food-to-mouth throwing and catching stunts. Story photos by Meagan Friberg
Under the lights of the Performing Arts Center, dozens of Paso Robles High School students sang, danced, improvised, and did whatever it took to entertain the judges and audience at the 2015 Drama Club Talent Show on Friday night. It was a close competition, according to those in attendance, but at the end of the night it would be Grisey Castor, a senior, who was deemed the first place winner for his performance of an original rap song. Julia Schulte, a junior, took second place for her rendition of I’m Not Afraid of Anything from the musical Songs for a New World.
“Both performers were prepared and committed,” said Hailey Pietz, a 2014 graduate of PRHS who, along with her fellow alumni, judged the competition. “What was most striking about each of them, though, was their bravery. It was incredible to take part in such a special night.”
Castor’s bravery extended past his rap performance, with his special prom proposal to 2014 alumna Caitlin Knoll.
Paso Robles High School alumni Noah Norton and Brandon Harris keep the laughs going during improv moments.
“The talent show went great,” said Pietz. “The Drama Club officers worked tirelessly and it paid off.”
There was a wide range of performances and a melting pot of talent onstage Friday night, from singing, lip-syncing, and guitar playing to improvisation and assorted comedy acts.
Paso High seniors Mariah Merejo and Ronnie Zamora sing along to an acoustic version of Counting Stars by One Republic. Photo by Meagan Friberg
Pietz started the annual talent show when she was a junior at the high school. Now in its third year, it takes place each spring, with a mixture of Advanced Drama and Beginning Drama students participating. Director of Theatre Arts Marcy Goodnow encourages participation and keeps the selection of students to those actively involved with the Drama Department.
“It’s just a safe and fun way for everyone to come out and show some of the talents that they may not otherwise have a chance to do,” said Pietz. “It’s a break from the main stage performances and class work to do something for each other, make each other laugh, and learn a little more about each other.”
Hailey Pietz, PRHS alumna, and freshman Regan Lomanto act out random scenes during an improvisational skit.
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