The JPS Karaoke Night took place on December 15, an event where many students and teachers participated in singing different popular songs. Hosted by the JPS Theater Company, the newly established event offered participants the chance to win a prize if they signed up to compete. The entry fee was $5.00 a ticket and was held in the cafeteria. If students planned on singing, they could sign up through a Google Sheet led by the Theater Company and enjoy provided snacks as they waited.

Many of the first performances were led by members of the Theater Company. Freshman Jordan Helper sang “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” by Paul Anka. There were many dramatic and vocal songs such as “At the Ballet” from the musical A Chorus Line sung by senior Zariel Milshtein, senior Casey Decker, and Zara Diaz, who also sang “Screw Loose” from the musical Cry-Baby. However, other students from the audience broadened the song median with songs such as “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele, sung by sophomore Anagha Naghesh, and “All of Me” by John Legend, sung by sophomore Abhisri Karthik.

A small audience enjoyed the event in the quiet and dark atmosphere of the cafeteria, with light only being reflected from TV screens. The serene environment was only interrupted with enthusiastic words of encouragement to various participants. Ms. Young, the Director of the Theater Co., represented the positivity of her company as she also encouraged students to participate and sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman.

“It was pretty fun to bond and have fun with my friends, doing karaoke together,” said sophomore Allyssa Gimeno. 

The audience cheered for the performing voices and ate the numerous snacks that were laid out for them. After several songs, the audience comfortably started to sing along with groups of students as they performed. Many students hung around the cafeteria room with their friends, laughing and chatting. As the night came to a close, numerous songs were played both on and off-key, demonstrating the versatility of performers at the event. 

“I am really happy that the event actually happened,” said senior Esha Patel, the president of the theater company. “I’m happy to be able to start a new tradition at JP.”

Overall, the JPS Theater Company made the event a success as an enjoyable place for kids to sing, dance, and simply have fun with their peers in a stress-free environment.