For the first time in its history, Coffee House had a new venue on Nov. 10 as the acts moved their equipment into the Theatre to truly provide a show.
Coffee House sponsor Tracy Gladden said that this new venue came with added stress and concern.
“It was chaotic because we had never done it in the Theatre before, and the lack of time made troubleshooting for the sound and lights difficult, it was just a lot for me,” she said.
Help with this “troubleshooting,” came from Theatre volunteers such as junior Kate Morlock who, Gladden said, really helped.
Morlock said, “I did it just because I am in Theatre, I mean, the show wouldn’t happen without lights and sound.”
Junior Tawnnie Crisante, however, said that she took the new venue in stride.
“I didn’t really mind,” she said. Crisante added, jokingly, “Either way it was going to happen, but Ms. Gladden was kind of freaking out.”
However, Gladden did call the night a success.
Gladden said, “I had a great time. The talent is just amazing at this school and if I can help provide an outlet or a chance for kids to show their talents then I will do whatever it takes.”
Crisante agreed, saying, “I did it sophomore year and I don’t know, I feel like this year was better. There were so many more people this year than last year and I feel like I did such a better job.”
The difference, Gladden said, lied within the overhaul which the event underwent.
“Last year’s Coffee House had a lot of small changes, like the art displays during intermission, so that it involved a lot more people and the things that went over so well last year, which incited interest we brought back, so hopefully next year will be even bigger,” she explained.
Gladden continued, “Everyone had a great time and I got such a positive feedback.”
For junior Nick Binnette, who had never sang for such an audience, being the closing act of the entire night was an intimidating experience as well.
“It was really intimidating. There were so many good acts before me with so many great voices. So, following those acts was really scary because my song wasn’t that emotional, per say, it was Tom York and it’s not that pretty,” he explained.
Binnette continued, “It was scary. Before it I was going to say something clever and witty when I came out, but when I got out there all I could say was, ‘Uh, hey guys.’”
Still, the end result was gratifying, Binnette said.
He said, “I just went out there and did it.”
“When I got off stage and everyone told me how good I did, it was great. Everyone likes to hear that they did good, and it was just so great,” Crisante concluded.
