Twelve finalists of the Raiders Got Talent show put on their best acts to compete for the $500 first place prize on April 19.
The show was put on by the Film Television Media Department and asked the studio audience to vote to decide the winner. The variety of talent made it a hard choice for some like Moorpark College student Alex Jackels.
“I really like the dance that Jade did,” said Jackels. “It really struck me. The rap was also lit, it was really fire.”
The acts ranged from singers, dancers, musicians and a comedian. The Forum in the Applied Arts building was full of students, friends and parents watching the competitors. The show was filmed by FTVM and will be cut and released as a full show on YouTube with its live studio audience and judge’s reactions. Although the show featured three student judges, they could only comment on performances and the choice was left to the audience’s vote.
The show is a great exercise for FTVM to show their production skills. Sitting in on the event, it is apparent how many moving parts go into a production of this scale.
“It’s been hard,” said FTVM student, Tyler Marquez. “But I think we are doing really well.”
The talent and hard work has its rewards as well, besides the $500 first place prize, there was a $200 second, and $100 for third. The event was hosted by Moorpark Students Michael Claridge and Natalie Shomas in a style similar to shows like “America’s Got Talent.” The hosts brought up each act as well as conversed with them and the judges after each performance. Judges Shandria Blackmon, Elana Marino and Quinn Carsey offered positive feedback and asked questions on how performers came up with their choreography or original songs.
Powerful choreography was important and helped Moorpark Student Jade Barth take the $100 third place prize with her contemporary dance performance.
“I like to always reflect the music in my movements and reflect the message in it,” said Barth.
The contestants also enjoyed being part of the production as a whole.
“Everyone working here did a great job, and it has been a great bonding experience,” said Barth.
Musical duo Hadar Amran and Alex Lebowitz won second place performing with Amran singing and Lebowits on guitar. Taking first was Nathan Principe whose solo guitar and singing performance of an original song wowed audiences with his acoustic skills and unique voice.
“This is amazing,” said Principe. “Totally unexpected.”
Principe says he plans on spending the money on his family and with his friends. He has been playing guitar and writing music for over ten years. He is also in a band called The Terns who have played several local gigs and have an album on Spotify called “From Nowhere.”
Look for the finished production on Moorpark College’s FTVM department Youtube channel soon.
