On March 27, the University of Massachusetts Boston put its own spin on the classic school talent show: the annual UMass Boston’s Got Talent. Resembling the set-up of the hit television production “America’s Got Talent,” three panel judges, including figures such as the Dean of Student Activities, rated and critiqued each performer. After watching all of the performers, the panel’s job was to select three winning acts for prizes of a $200 Amazon gift card.
The turn-out initially seemed a bit small — at first, many members of the hosting club, the Student Arts and Events Council (SAEC), along with nervous-looking performers dominated the cluster of seats. However, within half an hour, plenty of viewers arrived and prompted an energetic beginning.
The event featured 10 acts — some duos, some solos, and all with tremendous talent. The 10 acts were selected through an initial round of tryouts: truly a battle of the greats.
One of the most striking aspects of the collection of talents was the wide variety of abilities. Some sang, rapped, or played instruments, while others told jokes and danced. The audience even got to enjoy some off-the-stage breakdancing. Without a doubt, each of the performers were rightly selected for the show.
Furthermore, the true passion of the performers was amazingly apparent to see to audience members. Whether through words or action or both, the performers evidently poured something of themselves into what they did. Their enthusiasm was contagious — the ballroom was constantly errupting with cheers, and audience members were jumping out of their seats to get a better view.
One of the performers, Rebecca Perea, expressed one of the biggest parts of the show for her: “I wasn’t aware it to be so official.” Her rendition of a song from “Beauty in the Beast,” a moving and soulful cover, was well-received by the judges. “There was a set of judges and everything.”
The entire arrangement was wonderfully official and coordinated. Being part of the audience felt like being an extension of the show. Suddenly, I stopped feeling like someone just observing my peers putting themselves out there and became immersed in the stories the acts told.
If ever in need of good, free entertainment, be sure to check out UMass Boston’s Got Talent when it comes around again. Also check out SAEC’s Facebook page for upcoming events.