Despite initial hype, Houghton’s Got Talent will no longer be premiering as planned.
CAB was hosting HGT as an opportunity for students to exhibit their passions, expose hidden abilities, and get involved by competing for the title of being Houghton’s most talented through various acts. CAB member Josh Duttweiler says “due to the show’s previous success a few years ago, it made sense to give students a platform for their interests again.”
Yet, due to a lack of student commitment through act sign-ups, CAB was forced to cancel the event. This proved to be surprising, says Duttweiler, especially due to the excitement HGT had brought in the past. Possible reasons for the shortage of performers could be the lack of preparation time available and the event being scheduled so close to the beginning of the semester.
The show was intended to be different from other student entertainment, such as SPOT, in that it would promote all types of performance without a basis in comedy. Instead, the show was anticipated to be an engaging set of acts that displayed the variety and diversity within the Houghton campus. It was also an attempt to provide a way to showcase talent that may otherwise be overlooked.
In remaining true to American’s Got Talent, HGT was to also offer entertainment through a select group of faculty and student judges. Featured judges included students Simba Kamuriwo and Alyssa Figueroa, admissions counselor Zina Teague, Professor Ryann Cooley, and Dr. Doug Gaerte.
As seen in CAB’s “Meet the Judges” promotional video, the panel came together to create a humorous spin on each judge’s reveal of what they were interested in seeing during the show. Figueroa says she “looked forward to the chemistry” between herself and the other judges as well as the chance to play off their various personalities.
Having participated as an act in a previous Houghton’s Got Talent, Zina Teague remembers the “buzz” that was created over the various contestants. Previously HGT was divided to extend over two weekends with acts either advancing or being cut between. Teague and her partner “stepped” their way to the second round before being eliminated. Teague views this show as a way in which students can “come together and share a piece of who they are.”
This year’s show was set to run similarly, with commentary by the panel of judges and concluding with an audience vote. Votes would be placed through text message as experienced before in this past fall SPOT. Besides students being able to showcase their range of skills, they were also competing to win cash prizes.
Teague commented that this event was a way for students to “break out of boxes.” She makes the point that there is not just one type of person who can show off talent. Whether it is a biology major or athlete on the stage, they are equal.
According to Ryann Cooley, it made sense that Houghton in particular would find interest in holding such an event. With the Music Department as an obvious hub for talent, Cooley expected it to be a driving force behind various acts.
Cooley also points to the excitement of the unknown and the unique quality that Houghton has as being a “safe area to have fun taking a chance with the support of genuine and encouraging students.”
Despite Houghton’s Got Talent’s cancellation, CAB encourages students to come to the Chapel at 8 pm on Saturday, January 25th for the showing of Star Trek Into Darkness.