The group of Millbrook performers is anticipating the arrival of Winterfest on February 16th held in the gym.

Every February, Millbrook participates in the tradition of Winterfest. Students from across the school contribute to a variety show that showcases the talents of every student who was picked to perform after auditions. This year’s performance will take place in the gym on Friday, February 16.

  Anyone interested in auditioning came to the auditorium on December 13. Students shared their names and grade level and each was given one minute to audition in front of the performing arts teachers, including Mr. Kotzian, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Anthony, as well as Mr. Cope. The different acts ranged from group dance acts to individual singers.  

  Junior performer Tad Stolz described the audition process and what it was like personally for them and their group. When describing, they said, “Over the summer we decided we wanted to audition together and worked on what to do. Then for the few weeks leading up to the audition date, we practiced our act during lunch and got comfortable singing together in this style. At the auditions, we were all nervous, but we did it and we felt proud. The next day the list went up, and we got in!”

  Including Stolz, that group includes seniors Haley DiFruscio, Sydney Thompson, and junior Rowan Kindl. The group has been working diligently on a set of multiple songs with the overarching title “Crazy Human Psycho Crush.” 

  Another Winterfest tradition is the select group of seniors who help to carry the performance and entertain the audience with jokes along the way. This group is called the emcees. The seniors this year include Jared Dunn, Mia Schiavone, Lauren Creighton, Meg Gearing, Scott Doty, and Hannah Paulson.

  Emcee Jared Dunn described how everyone has been working to prepare for the performance so far and he said, “Me and the other emcees have started little get-together meetings to put together Winterfest before we work on our skits because we must put the outline of the show before we go through the process of getting our skits together.” 

While Winterfest is a tradition for the school itself, it is also a tradition for some students. 

  Emcee Lauren Creighton has been participating in Winterfest for the majority of their high school years and has described their journey from going behind the scenes to performing. They express, “Ever since I became involved in Winterfest my sophomore year, I looked up to the emcees and kept thinking to myself how fun it must be to have their creative liberty and the ability just to have fun with their friends on ‘stage.’. That’s when I decided I wanted to emcee for Winterfest my senior year. Additionally, performing is something that I have always wanted to do, but I haven’t had much experience or confidence in doing so. My passion for the performing arts has somewhat shifted through the years, after becoming involved in tech theater. I love being behind the scenes, but I think being an emcee for Winterfest will be a fun change in pace.” 

  The tradition of Winterfest is one that the staff and students all hold near and dear to their hearts. The performers sharing the results of their hard work and the audience’s anticipation and enjoyment contribute to lasting memories that leave Winterfest as one of the most important Millbrook High School days.