The Indiana Academy Talent Show

A little over a week ago, the Academy community gathered to view the much-anticipated spectacle that is the yearly Indiana Academy Talent Show. The stage was set for an amazing show, and the crew and performers delivered just that. SLC Archer, the PAs, and several student volunteers worked tirelessly for weeks in advance to prepare for this special evening. From the acts, to the sound, to the lights, and the final curtain, every aspect of the experience was well thought out and planned ahead. But as everyone knows, nothing is ever perfect in showbiz; would the show hold up? Was all the work worth it? Short answer…. yes.

Seven o'clock rolled around, the stage was set, the lights were dimmed, and the show began. The show’s hosts, Kinlee Taylor and Lily Ellis, took the reins and led the audience through many periods of popular culture, their outfits and jokes switching from decade to decade, ending, of course, today. Their hosting skills were put to good use, as it was no simple feat to seamlessly blend the various talents performed during the student-act section of the show.

Whatever it is you find impressive, it was almost certainly on display in at least one of the many brilliant student talent acts. From live music, whether it be singing, piano, piano AND singing, electric guitar, or a whole band, to thoughtful poetry, comedy sketches, interpretive ballet, and kazoo renditions of famous music, it was all there, and all fantastically performed by the students who took the stage. In the end though, only one could reign supreme, and with the judges being the very peers of those who had performed, the stakes were high. After a close vote, the rendition of “Jackie Down the Line” by the four-piece band reigned supreme, taking home the prizes of bragging rights, a week-long card-up (more student life privileges), and the friends made along the way– a trophy for all to share.

If you thought this was it and left early, you were sorely mistaken; it was far from the end. After intermission was taken and votes were collected, the real spectacle kicked off. This show was no longer child’s play, for it was time for the Faculty and Staff section. Four acts took to the stage, drawing straws to see in which order they would present their talents. The straws were drawn, and the show was on. SLC Archer kicked off the finale with his original rap over a remixed beat based on Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” showing off his impressive chops lyrically and rhythmically. It was going to be a tough act to follow, but Dr. Hook rose to the occasion with her cello. She talked about her process of learning the instrument and played a beautiful piece to display her hard work and talent. Another class act, this time it was to be followed by a talent of a different sort. SLCs Maclaine and Hannah appeared by the entrances of the auditorium, only it wasn’t just them, but them as horses. Suddenly everyone in the room was prepared for the race of a lifetime– and off they went. A close battle of agility, wit, and whiteboard portraits ensued, and, in the end, SLC Horse Maclaine was declared victor. But the show was not over yet.

It had been rumored and anticipated for weeks, and over one hundred and twenty-five dollars had been donated for this talent to come to fruition in front of an audience. It was time for the true attraction, the true talent, the true essence of the Talent Show. Dr. Joshua Myers and Dr. Lobo were to perform a rendition of Chappell Roan’s hit, “Pink Pony Club,” a song that Jordan Heaviland aptly compared to the story of Dr. Myers’ early years. The room was tense with anticipation– anticipation that met its release in a barrage of applause as soon as the maestros took the stage. No one knew what was to come, but Lobo and Myers understood precisely what they were there to do. With each of their distinct styles; Lobo’s springy adeptness and falsetto, and Myers’ distinctive manner sprinkled with grunge, the performance came alive; truly, it was impressive. And the audience’s reaction was adequately intense; as the Doctors retreated, flowers and cheers were flung upon them, and as they left the stage that now belonged to them, it was fitting that the night had reached its natural conclusion.