Think of it as going to the theater from home as 14 parents of Ambassadors will showcase their artistic skills including a piano performance, dance, vocals accompanied by guitar, an original poem dedicated to the kids and a few surprises.
The April 2 Ambassadors live online talent show that had 16 performances showed people were receptive to this type of entertainment, according to Arts Council arts education director Krissy Brown.
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Brown said she requested feedback on the performance and colleague Sarah McPherson, Development Director for the Springfield Arts Council, suggested the parents perform.
“We’ve had interest from parents during our dinner theaters and put feelers out there and found a lot were interested,” Brown said. “We thought this could be a fun outlet.”
Some family members and adults perform alongside the Ambassadors each year during live musical productions at the Summer Arts Festival. However, this year’s production of “Disney’s Newsies” has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Also, Brown said the commitment of two to three months of rehearsals limits some parents’ involvement in the festival shows, making this online opportunity a nice alternative.
Ed Hasecke’s son Will played violin in the first talent show, and although he doesn’t consider himself a performer, Hasecke couldn’t resist joining in with the adults.
“It’s more just to maintain a connection to the kids, to give them something to laugh and talk about and remain active,” he said.
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While still trying to work out his final act, Hasecke is taking a comedic approach, likely a lip synch to a popular film with his two other kids. Also a violinist, he says this may be his one time in the spotlight and he’s not nervous about it.
“I feel casual. One of the best things is this group is infectiously positive,” he said.
The show will last around 30 minutes, Brown said. Visit the Springfield Arts Council’s Facebook page for details on how to watch the show.
Brown anticipates more online shows about every other week, possibly a pet talent show, as well as different themes and chances for other Ambassadors who didn’t perform in the first show. Being able to interact online through workshops and performances has been a positive for the staff and kids during quarantining.
“There’s a lot to look forward to coming up,” she said.
For those who missed the first “60-Second Talent Show” or are unable to view the” Parents Edition,” Brown is working to upload those to the Arts Council’s Facebook page.
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