It’s officially talent show season at Lake Forest High School, and excitement is in the air and ideas are swirling. This year the Talent Show is hitting the trails and going with a camping theme. With show dates on February 22nd through 24th, the process has already begun on the largest show of the year.

The Talent Show is the biggest event of the year for the APT. 

“The Talent Show is at the heart of the APT fundraising efforts for the year. It’s been happening for 50-plus years, and the idea behind it is to have a large fundraiser for the school that brings all groups of students together. It doesn’t matter what kind of curriculum they focus on or what programs they’ve been interested in,” said Talent Show advisor Mr. Corey Holmer.

Talent show throughout the years has brought students together to put on a show. There is plenty to do, whether it is Tech Crew, Acts, Pit Band, New Media, Graphic Design, and many more. You will find your group and meet people you otherwise wouldn’t have. It is a unique opportunity that you shouldn’t miss out on. 

“It’s a way for students to get involved with different groups of students without pressure, even though they’re taking the stage and performing. There’s a huge support system behind them, and they’re getting everything they need to take that spotlight,” said Holmer.

Holmer also discussed the importance of having such a dedicated team of students on Tech Crew and New Media to help produce the show.

“We have new members of Tech Crew show up for the first time once they’re kind of interested in lights and sound and running crew. Same thing with New Media. We get new video production people each year. So it really is that kind of all-inclusive experience and anyone’s invited, anyone can join. You just have to show up and then you’ll find your area that interests you.” 

The magic of Talent Show is that you get to see the many talents of students and staff on and off the stage. More goes on behind the scenes to make the show happen and students play a huge part in making the show happen year after year. 

Senior Ryder Gamrath has been involved in Talent Show all four years at LFHS.

“On the outside it just seems like a really well put-together show, and while it is that, the real magic for everyone is behind the scenes, putting it all together, and making it all work.”

“Talent Show also means family. You really get to know the people you work with. We also get through problems together. You learn to collaborate as a team to solve problems. We all become family across a couple of months, which makes the show nights even more special. So I guess in short, Talent Show means family,” said Gamrath.

It may surprise people that Talent Show is mostly student-led. From the committee to the Pit Band, it is student-led and it teaches you responsibility and collaboration with your peers.

“The students really get to take charge and work with one another to create a spectacular show for the community to enjoy. I have gotten close to so many people through Talent Show. It brings everyone, not just people in theater, together for a whole month,” says senior Milana Yanev.

The Talent Show is a huge event for everyone involved, but you can get as involved as much or as little as you want, but getting involved in any way is always worth the time.

“There’s ups and downs, there’s drama, there’s moments of panic, there’s late nights. But at the end of the day, we all have a blast. We all get closer and we all learn from ourselves. And I look forward to that last night. Not because it’s over, just seeing the audience and seeing all the students just having a blast on stage. 2024, here we go, “ said Holmer