Passing by the tall curtains, I watched their eyes trace me as I walked onto the stage. The crowd of faces stared back at me, waiting for me to start, and a nervous thump began in my chest. I propped the violin on my shoulder and tucked it under my chin. The violin hummed soft notes as I pulled the bow against the delicate strings. As I found my rhythm, the thumping in my chest slowed and my heart instead began to soar with the melody. When I finished, the encouraging applause from adults and older kids assured me that I had done well.

I was only eight then, just starting third grade, and when I reminisce about that experience, all I can think about is: “Where did the talent show go?” The funny little skits, synchronized dance groups and small kids up on the stage with their even smaller instruments are now little more than a distant memory. The magic tricks, break dancing, hula hooping and singing that once brightened our days are now sorely lacking from school. Oak Park High School needs a talent show. 

Though Oak Hills Elementary did not have the diversity of classes or the plethora of clubs that OPHS has today, its annual talent show never failed to produce unique and entertaining performances. Cherished by the audience, anticipated by the performers and enjoyed by all, a talent show has a place in all schools, from elementary to high school. 

OPHS used to put on a talent show twice a year. During history and geography teacher Russ Peters’ time as the ASB adviser, he helped run the production.

“When I took over ASB we had talent shows twice a year and they were a huge success,” Peters said. “It was a lot of work but the kids had an amazing time. It was a lot of fun and many students would come out to watch them in the Pavilion. I’m not entirely sure why it stopped, it just dwindled over time. But I would love to see it come back. There are a lot of talented kids here and I think it would be great to see again.”

There are currently a variety of events that OPHS hosts where students can showcase their skills: sports games, plays, concerts and assemblies, to name a few. While impressive and entertaining in their own way, none of those performances are quite as captivating or eccentric as burping out the alphabet or juggling bowling pins. By putting on a talent show, more specialized and unique gifts would have time to shine. 

Francisco Henning, OPHS Spanish teacher, watched many talent shows at his previous districts. He believes that an OPHS talent show would help shed light on skills not taught or showcased by the school. 

“If [a talent show] is implemented, regulated and promoted well, I think students will have a blast,” Henning said. “And it doesn’t just have to be artsy. A show could open up display to more comedic or special events.”

Besides giving students a place to show off their skills, a talent show would be a great way to bring the school together and raise school spirit. Many students rally behind events like these, where the majority of the production is student-run, and unique performances are highlighted.

“I would pay a lot of money to see a talent show,” said freshman Katya Clark. “I think it would be a lot of fun for both the performers and the audience.”

For teachers and students alike, talent shows serve as an enjoyable and spirited way to support their school’s unique gifts. Whether the performance is a comedic skit that has the audience laughing for minutes or a skillful dance that captivates the audience, each talent deserves to be seen. Although OPHS has been without a talent show for several years, it is never too late to bring this great tradition back.