Elon Music Theatre Students Shine in Captivating "Collage" Showcase

With both performances of the annual "Collage" showcase hosted by Elon's performing arts department sold out, the university's music theatre students took the stage to deliver a captivating display of their talents. The hour-long performance, entirely directed, arranged, choreographed, and music-directed by students, was a testament to the exceptional caliber of Elon's performing arts program.

Uniting Elon's Performing Arts Community in a Vibrant Celebration

A Melting Pot of Talent and Tradition

The "Collage" showcase holds a special significance for Elon's music theatre freshmen, as it marks their first performance as part of the program. Sophomore Lauren Trethaway described the event as a "melting pot," allowing students from different classes to come together and showcase their collective artistry.Many of the songs featured in "Collage" are also performed in the spring's "Grand Night" showcase, a similar performance that holds deep personal meaning for Trethaway. As a high school student, attending "Grand Night" was a pivotal moment that led her to choose Elon for her higher education. "Seeing 'Grand Night' and the community of performers, I don't know, it brought tears to my eyes," Trethaway shared. "That's how I knew that this is the program that was right for me."

A Captivating Finale Celebrating the Performing Arts Community

One of the most memorable moments of the evening, according to audience member Susannah Stearns, was the finale. The full ensemble of students performed together, and at the end of the piece, the freshmen stood alongside the audience as the seniors and upperclassmen sang to them. "It was very moving to watch them," Susannah said, reflecting the profound sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the performance.

Uplifting the Performing Arts on Campus

For freshman Jackie Harris, attending "Collage" was an opportunity to support her friends in the performance. Beyond that, Harris recognized the importance of supporting the performing arts on college campuses, where they can sometimes be overlooked. "On a lot of college campuses, the arts are overlooked," Harris said. "It's important to come and support everyone."The sold-out performances of "Collage" at Elon's Yeager Recital Hall, with its intimate 125-seat capacity, underscored the immense talent and dedication of the university's music theatre students. The showcase, entirely student-driven, was a testament to the vibrant performing arts community at Elon, and a celebration of the power of the arts to bring people together and inspire.