Winterfest Arrives
photo by Christa Assi
By REEM ABDELMAGID | Dec. 30, 2019 | Student Life
WinterFest is the annual production put on by Stanton College Preparatory School’s Student Activities Director Ms. Tangela Ennis and the performing students. Students who attend the show get to enjoy the final product of practice and rehearsals, but not many get to experience what goes on backstage in preparation for the event.
Some students see WinterFest as the day before the long-awaited winter break, so the performance is a delightful end to a stressful week.
photo by Christa Assi
Performers spend time and effort in and out of school on their performances. The atmosphere behind the curtain changes as showtime grows nearer and excitement reaches new levels. Backstage offers a welcoming environment for first-time and returning students, connected by their talents.
“We’re all here to show off our talent and show what we’ve got and we’re not here to condone anyone for what they have to offer,” said sophomore Danielle Soriano, who sang “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele and played piano.
The feeling of being on stage differs from person to person, however, most students in the audience only see the finished result of the practice and rehearsals. The performers watch the audience react to the show. The differing viewpoints lead to different experiences and reactions from both sides of the curtains.
photo by Christa Assi
“It’s very surreal being up on stage,” said senior Allison Siragusa, an Expressionist. “For me, it’s like everything almost fades away and it’s just me and the lights and the crowd really only comes back into the equation when I’m done, unless there’s a major interruption.”
WinterFest is a climactic way to end the year, making it special to everyone who participates, whether they are a member of the audience or a performer.