A tradition in the typical Niles West theatrical year, Coffeehouse Cabaret, begins this month with auditions on Monday, Feb. 24. Those interested in performing, including staff members, can prepare their acts to share with the school. Acts range in specialties: singing, acoustic guitar, poetry recitation, dances and puppetry. Hosted in the Black Box Theater, patrons receive complimentary food and drink to accompany the shows, with ticket sales raising money for Niles West Theater Patrons. Additionally, raffles and a silent auction are held outside the theater.

The community could expect extensive performances at 7 p.m. on both Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, Feb. 29. Devoted members of theater and volunteers help set up the shows with student-directed sound, lighting and staging. This year, there are hopes that more West staff members will participate in the performances along with students.

“I would absolutely love for more staff to participate. Last year, we had a few adults within the Fine Arts Department present songs and a mini-play. But it is my hope that we can get as many staff members on stage as we can as they deserve the recognition as much as any of us students,” senior Camilla Smith said. She participated in Coffeehouse last year, singing for the program.

Besides staff, student contributors find satisfaction in organizing and performing the talent show. It’s a medium to express oneself in front of peers and to exercise leadership roles on a small scale. Senior Amelia Gottschalk speaks on the importance of supporting art in our community and her role in the last Coffeehouse Cabaret.

“Last year, I stage-managed Coffeehouse. It was a lot of fun, and also my first time working as a stage manager. I’m excited to see people who are new to Coffeehouse! Last year was Coffeehouse’s return post-lockdown, not many people were aware of it. It is beyond important for our community to fund and patronize the arts. Art connects communities across languages, ages and experiences. It’s something that many people feel drawn to. What’s special about Coffeehouse is that it’s an opportunity for anyone to perform anything. Most performers end up being Niles West students, and that’s why our community needs to show support,” Gottschalk said.

Additionally, Coffeehouse can become a place for unlikely collaboration and finding new opportunities to pursue your talent. Some people use the shows to test the foundations of their confidence.

“Our performance was last minute but it eventually led to the band I’m currently in-Frog House. I was nervous at first, but by the end, I was having a great time and felt more confident about future shows. We all tested our abilities and Coffeehouse is technically our band’s first show, I’m glad we did it otherwise things might have turned out differently,” junior Logan Yang said, who played bongos last year.

This year, all are welcome to participate and garner turnout for the shows. Creating an encouraging space for all is a core part of the Niles West performing arts community.

“Coffeehouse is for anyone who has something they are passionate about and want to share with an audience; whether it be a song, a poem, a dance and a quartet. It’s an honor to host such a lovely event where students, staff and alumni can showcase talents of all kinds. To be a participant in events like these is so rewarding and I would absolutely recommend it, especially to those whose first “on-stage” experience it may be. The space is so welcoming and supportive and it’s an awesome way to get your feet wet in the world of being on performing,” Smith said.

If you’re interested in performing, make sure to stop by auditions. To support your performing friends, tickets to the shows will be available on the Niles West Theatre Patrons. See you under the stage lights!