Whiz Kids: De Smet Band Made It To Talent Semifinals

Whiz Kids: Ian Brennan, Michael Hillmer, Ben Stitzel, and Zach Erhardt

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Key To Awesomeness:

Young performers representing twenty-five St. Louis area high schools put their considerable talents on display on April 16 at The students were competing in the semi-final round of the St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase. The showcase, in its first year, is backed by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation and is presented as a way to shine a light on local teen talent.  The performers in the semi-finals and finals are eligible to win scholarships for college.

 Acts ranged from singers to dancers to baton twirlers and a ukelele player. The students had to conquer their nerves and perform with poise and spirit for the esteemed panel of judges. The panel of five judges included Ron Gibbs, managing director at Stages St. Louis; Paul Reuter, executive director of The Sheldon; and Mike Isaacson, the co-head of Fox Theatricals and the new executive producer at the Muny. At the end of the day, twelve acts were chosen by the judges to compete in the finals on May 6th at the Fox Theater.

 De Smet students Ian Brennan, Michael Hillmer, Ben Stitzel, and Zach Erhardt performed a cover of Smashing Pumpkins’ song “Today.” They gave a tight rock performance that stood out among the showtunes and dance numbers. Their journey ended with the semi-finals, though their talent as a band was clear.

The final competition on May 6th will be open to the public and free of charge. The panel of judges for the final will include two New York theater professionals and the actress Phyllis Smith, a St. Louis native best known for playing Phyllis on the sitcom “The Office.” The first, second, and third-prize winners will receive scholarships from Lindenwood University and prize money for their school’s performing arts departments.