Lights, Camera, Action: Lifehouse Theater's Got Talent

On Aug. 18 the LifeHouse Theater held its first Got Talent audition in Redlands. The top 10 performances chosen will compete in the championship round on Sept. 6 at Moore Middle School for the 3rd Annual Walk for LifeHouse: Family Festival event. The first auditioned was Tessa McCormick. A 14-year-old Polytechnic High School student who sang “Disneyland” from the musical Smile. McCormick was inspired to audition by her music teacher who sent out a memo of upcoming talent shows. “I do musical Theater every chance I get. I auditioned for Riverside Got Talent last year,” said McCormick. McCormick has been singing since she was in the 4th grade and shares that it all started when her mother signing her up for theater camp. “That was it for me. I've been singing ever since and I definitely want to audition for more things like this,” said McCormick. For her song choice, McCormick said the idea was brought up by her music teacher. “I've heard it [the song] before and not a lot of people cover that song. So, it makes for a memorable performance. Singing is something that I’m trying to get more serious about. The music industry is an industry that kids can actually work in. I want to sing, perform in Broadway, or star in films,” said McCormick. The second person who auditioned was Yoshi Arnott, a 17-year-old home-schooled senior. Arnott played the song 6 Ecossaise by Beethoven on her choice instrument, the piano. Although she has played the piano for 16 years, this is her first time auditioning for the LifeHouse Theater. She has auditioned for The Community School of Music at the University of Redlands. “I've always wanted to be a part of the show but I never got the chance!” said Arnott. She currently attends the online high school, Williamsburg Academy. “I play the piano a lot and I rarely get to share it with the world,” said Arnott, “What I want to do is be a music teacher.” The third to audition was 15-year-old singer, Gabriella Haddad who sang an enthused and well received cover of the song “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” by the Band Perry. The high school student, who is currently attending Redlands East Valley High said, “I've been singing since I was 4 or 5 years old. I've love the productions that Wayne Scott puts on and I thought it would be wonderful to participate.” Haddad was in the ensemble for the LifeHouse Theater play Scrooge last year and she hopes to pursue a career in music and has set her sights high. The LifeHouse Theater’s Got Talent competition “gives the people in charge the chance to see the acts, and the performers a chance to get used to being on stage,” said Haddad. The auditions where judged by Julie Carlson, Carissa Burnes and Michael Burnes; all three with a background in performance theater who have been extensively involved with the LifeHouse Theater plays over the years. “I've been doing shows here for about 15 years,” said Julie Carlson, “It’s been enjoyable to sit back and enjoy the performances.” The LifeHouse Theater looks for specific criteria in their acts, “We look for talent, confidence and someone who is comfortable on stage,” said Michael Burnes. “I look for someone who looks happy to be here! Someone who is energetic and bubbly!” said Carissa Burnes. “The arts are very important; they influence people even when they don’t realize it,” she added. Wayne Scott, founder of LifeHouse Theater, explains that he looks for captivating stage presence. “We look for people who have a stage presence. People who are confident in their performance - because that stands out.” The LifeHouse Theater’s Got talent competition is part of the Family Festival event, a fundraiser for LifeHouse Theater. The 10 people chosen in the competition perform at the Family Festival. “The winners get a gift card, a set of CD stories and a backstage pass for the theater,” said Scott. The 10 acts competing in the final round will be announced on Sept. 1.