Students eagerly sat around the soundstage in the Ogilvie Lobby as junior Bridget Gray walked up to the microphone to perform her original song.
Coffeehouse, an opportunity for students and faculty to share their artistic talents with the school community, was in full swing.
The event was held on March 23 and included singing, instrumental performances, stand-up comedy and a monologue.
Cami Culbertson, a junior and performer at Coffeehouse, said the environment was supportive.
“Everybody did really well, and I could tell that everybody cared about the art they were sharing,” she said.
Every year, Coffeehouse is an opportunity for students from all experience levels — whether frequent performers in the Visual and Performing Arts or those who have never been on stage before — to show off, which is why the environment is intended to be encouraging.
“It was pretty nice and definitely not a frightening experience,” Culbertson said. “Every year, they try to create this cozy atmosphere. I’m used to performing on stage, but I don’t typically do theater songs, so it was a new experience for me.”
Students in the Upper School ceramics class auctioned their mugs at Coffeehouse to raise money for charity—each cost about $20.
“It’s nice to have more than one art form being presented at Coffeehouse, and the ceramics program is so incredible,” senior Eshaan Mani said. “I’m glad that they have the opportunity to showcase their work and share with the community.”
Culbertson said she felt that shifting the event’s location from the student lounge to the Ogilvie Lobby made the ceramics sale seem hidden away.
“I felt like that was kind of lost this year,” she said. “The venue is a lot bigger, so it was in a corner.”
Freshman Riana Pliskin attended the event for the first time and enjoyed the experience.
“It was so fun being at Coffee House. It made me wish we could hold this event more than once a year,” she said.
