The spotlight beamed onto the platform. Seniors walked toward the beckoning light, knowing it would be their last time to take center stage at the school.

The Broken Box Theatre Company hosted the annual Senior Showcase on Friday, May 10 to honor the senior members of Broken Box. During the showcase, every senior acted out an original skit. This included Andrew Leidenthal singing “Blackbird” by The Beatles, Ian McColl doing a dance from Napoleon Dynamite, Nikki Kashani singing “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse and Liliana Medina performing a monologue. Because it was their last performance in Broken Box, the seniors had a more personal experience on the stage.

“I tried not to think about this being my last stage performance in Broken Box because I definitely would have broken character,” senior Prashant Nathaniel said. “It made me realize that I was still in disbelief that I am leaving Broken Box.”

After the skits, underclassmen of Broken Box presented their speeches on the outgoing senior members. The speeches were an opportunity for underclassmen to openly express their gratitude for outgoing members, making it both a memorable and emotional experience.

“Standing up there with the stage lights beating on my forehead with my classmates standing beside me in mutual emotional vulnerability was one of the most intense and satisfying experiences I’ve ever had,” junior Amanda Choy said. “Delivering words about the seniors in front of an audience full of strangers was incredibly powerful. Everybody left the theater in tears, members, parents and friends alike.”

A slideshow presentation followed the speeches, which consisted of pictures from the Broken Box performances throughout the year. The new Broken Box King and Queen were announced, juniors Terence Rabuzzi and Amanda, who took the positions of the past King and Queen, seniors Tom Rigodanzo and Miriam Schachter.

The following members were also awarded: sophomore Sam Sauerhaft for Most Improved Male, senior Sam Gavenman for Best Actor as Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”, senior Amanda Spielman for Best Supporting Actress as Ghost of Christmas Present in “A Christmas Carol,” senior Michael Johnson for Best Supporting Actor as Wall/Snout in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Tom for Best Thespian, which goes to the member who has shown outstanding commitment to the group on and off stage during the year.

While the primary objective of the showcase was to recognize the leaving senior cast, Broken Box also welcomed incoming members. The members tried to introduce new members to the Broken Box environment by eating together prior to the show and socializing.

“One thing I wanted to accomplish was to make the incoming members feel welcome,” Sam said. “I really wanted them to get excited about being on the cast next year as well as get to know them better.”

The Senior Showcase let seniors enjoy their last experience as Broken Box members. Seniors left the cast recognized for their hard work and dedication to the group and aware that they will always be a part of the Broken Box family.

“Senior Showcase acknowledged the breadth of work they have accomplished all year,” Broken Box adviser Nancy Moran said. “There were plenty of laughs and tears. In the end these kids will always be connected through this experience.”