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Writer's pictureJulia R. Marshall

Behind the Mask: Stepping Out

Updated: Apr 29, 2021

Though cliches should be avoided, one must be included here: In a time of uncertainty, the best one could hope for is some constant. Something that reminds one of a time before, when they were happy, peaceful, surrounded by those they love, and of course, doing what they love.


With the cancelation of the All School Musical, many were worried they would never feel this in the LaGuardia community until life “resumed.” There is so much work that goes into the spectacle of the musical, and human interaction is its foundation, but this year, that spectacle, and therefore connection, would not be realized. How would LaGuardia students show their hard work? How would every single major get the chance to do what they loved for the world to see? And what about those who are seniors this year? Would they really have to leave without a final performance of some kind?


Those questions were answered. On November 17th of 2020, the news went public on an Instagram page: despite everything, the struggle and the difficulties, Rising Stars would be happening this year.


It couldn’t have come at a better time. As quarantine drags on, the promise of being on a stage, or even behind one, dwindles. Now while Rising Stars will not be on the literal definition of a stage this year, it will be broadcasted to all who wish to see it, which is, at this time, the closest you can get to the rush of an on stage performance.

Though there is nothing like the thrill that comes from seeing or being a piece of this production in the Concert Hall, Rising Stars this year has a new kind of thrill. This year, Rising Stars will be televised on WNET’s All Arts channel. This opens up a whole new world to the wonder of Rising Stars. The audience for a typical Rising Stars show is large in itself. The Concert Hall is often filled to the brim with proud family, students, teachers, alumni, and even those who see the show who do not know anyone in it. This year, the audience is even larger. Rising Stars will reach people all around the nation, who have never seen it before.


The theme of Rising Stars, for those who do not yet know, is “Behind the Mask: Stepping Out” which, in all aspects, is perfect. The Performing Arts have been silenced in the past year, and though there are alternatives to live, on stage performances, happening over Zoom and through other video apps, artists are suffering from the inability to step onto that stage, or move that set piece, to feel the lights on one’s face, blinding them, as they pour their soul into their work. This void left by the pandemic will be filled by Rising Stars. The heart and soul that goes into each and every Rising Stars act will flourish, even if it is not in its typical form. Rising Stars allows every single participant, whether they be in front of the lights or behind them, to put all of themselves into their own work for all to enjoy.


Even though a very small percentage of acts who audition get into the show itself- last year, according to the Instagram page, only about 17% were admitted- there has been and will continue to be other chances for participation. Practically every single facet of Rising Stars is controlled by the students. This includes the producing, social media work, musical directing, accompaniment playing, every single little piece that makes the show run as smoothly and beautifully as it does comes from the students. Those who don’t have a part to play in the show of any sort, get to experience its magic in the rawest and quite possibly the best form. Those that bought tickets and sit in the rows, or those who stare at their screens this year, feel the glow coming from every single member of the show, and it illuminates them. Watching Rising Stars gives audience members a soaring feeling of pride and a look into the beauty of the deeply personal art. From the show, a sense of inspiration springs up in each audience member. The audience gains something that has been lacking: the desire to get up and make art, which is irreplaceable and an intensely powerful and fulfilling feeling.

And so, the entire community of LaGuardia will not only be witnessing something that has never ceased to amaze, but will be gaining a new found appreciation for it. All of the emotion, care, and pain that has built up throughout the last 11 months, that has been begging for any artistic release, begging to see the light of day, will.


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