Arts & Entertainment

Encore Auditions by Connor Nagy

And now let’s welcome to the stage, the Medina Encore Entertainment Company! You step onto the stage, heart beating out of your chest, every step taking you closer and closer to victory. Spotlights shining right on you and your fellow singers, all of you with one goal in mind. After a moment of silence, the band leads you in as you sing your first note, with energy rushing through your veins.

The Encore Entertainment Company is Medina’s award winning show choir, and auditions to join are happening soon. Encore is a place where performers can show off their talents in home shows, competitions, and festivals singing alongside their friends. There will be two separate auditions: a vocal audition and a dancing audition. Auditions will be held the week of May 17th in the choir room.

“The plan is to have (auditions) back in person,” states Mr. Skidmore, one of Encore’s directors. “We try to keep them low pressure so you just go in and do your best and have a good time.”

A few students also elaborated on what it is like to audition for Encore, from the perspective of the ones auditioning.

“(Auditions) are not what you would expect, especially the choreography part.” senior Sarah Barr says. “When I first came in I wasn’t expecting it to be a whole bunch of people just in this tiny choir room and just all learning all at once in like 20 minutes, maybe 30. It’s super super fast paced and super fun. They definitely look for performance when it comes to the choreography aspect.”

More students like Barr went on to talk about the dance auditions and give advice for students who plan on auditioning in the coming weeks.

“Pretty much just try and have fun,” stated Drew Ferling, another senior. “Like you are literally here to have fun, you’re not here to be scared or anything.”

While that may generally cover the choreography aspect of auditioning for Encore, there is a bit more preparation involved in the vocal aspect.

“(You should prepare) an art song and a theater song, that is well in your range and it’s not outrageous but it shows off what you can do.” says senior Bailey Olin. “Don’t be afraid to have crazy energy and stuff like that because that’s also another thing that (the directors) look for.”

But why should students audition for Encore? What makes Encore such an enjoyable experience for those involved?

“It’s definitely something for people who like to show their talents and perform for people.” Barr states about her experience with Encore.

Ferling adds to that “You’re literally with all of your friends on stage and you’re performing in front of yelling crowds, so you can’t really beat that.”