By Alice Pulliam
Staff Writer
As the weather warms up and Spring approaches, students make a final push to finish the school year off strong. Spring’s upcoming arrival brings excitement and anticipation for the upcoming events following. One of these includes Follies, a student talent show hosted by Key Club. As we await Follies, those participating in the display must perfect their performance.
“Preparation falls mostly on the acts themselves,” Follies director John Clevenger said. “They have about two months to fine-tune their performance and work out any issues.”
Skit writer Walton Lamkin explains what the preparation process consists of.
“Mostly video recording, acting, and reading out the script.” Lamkin said.“Right now, we are going around Winston, recording our videos, and getting together to rehearse. We will start auditorium rehearsals soon to practice our acts.”
Prior to preparing their acts, students taking part in Follies must also participate in auditions. In order to attend auditions, participants must fill out an application and turn it in at least a week before the audition. Each act has five minutes to perform, which they will do in front of a group of small judges. The judges then collaborate to select the best acts to be performed in the show.
“We typically shoot for fifteen to sixteen total acts in the show,” Clevenger said.
While not everyone will get to perform on stage, anyone is welcome to watch the show. Students can purchase tickets beforehand so they can ensure a spot for the show.
Funds made from ticket sales are split between contributing to the Key Club and being given to support a local charity.
“We haven’t picked the charity yet as we typically have a meeting to discuss ideas and make a selection,” Clevenger said.
In addition to raising money, Follies raises school spirit.
“It never ceases to amaze me how every year I’m pleasantly surprised when a student lights up with sheer joy as they perform their act,” Clevenger said.
Follies has been a core tradition of the R. J. Reynolds community for a long time and will continue to spread school spirit through its fun acts and talent displays for the foreseeable future.