Submitted by the Orca Center
This November, there will be a flurry of activity behind the thick velvet curtains on Center Stage at Orcas Center. Children will be tuning their instruments, doing last-minute rehearsals of choreography, warming their vocal cords and calming their nerves. Many hours of practice go into the performances during “Whale of a Show,” the island’s celebration of youth talent on Orcas. This year, performances will be on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. For family and friends not in the area, there will be a livestream for the Saturday show that can be watched directly on www.OrcasCenter.org. Ticket prices range from $10-$59.
“Backstage can be quite interesting,” muses organizer Didier Gincig. “We honor the children’s emotions and discuss what they’re feeling – especially around nervousness and excitement. It’s been a wonderful process to see the transformation over the years. How a nervous child just a few years ago, now takes the role of mentor to those experiencing their first time on stage.”
The study of art, music, dance and theatre benefits children in many ways including enhancing socialization, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while encouraging creativity, individualism and teamwork. Art, no matter the form, gives children an outlet for self-expression as they are finding their way in the world. Public performances of that art encourage pushing through fears while being wholly supported by their community. At the surface, talent shows like “Whale of a Show” are a fun family night for all, but the benefits of practice and performance stay with children for years to come.
Gincig has been coordinating “Whale of a Show” for nearly 20 years, first emceeing with his daughter Emilie back in the early 2000s, only taking a break during COVID closures.
“We’re excited to bring the tradition back and look forward to providing this fun opportunity for children to be authentic about their self-expression. They can have fun in a supportive environment and transform their nervous feelings into triumphant joy,” said Gincig.
