Trussville’s Got Talent show set for Feb. 4

With the Christmas flurry behind everyone, students now have something else to look forward to: the ninth annual Trussville’s Got Talent show. Set for Feb. 4 at the Hewitt-Trussville High School Performance Hall, the event is open to any Trussville City Schools student, and it is sponsored by the high school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter. 

“I love this event, and over the years, it has gotten easier to plan,” said sponsor Tracey Jackson, who also has a background in event management and started the talent show its first year in 2009. “The show is run by the students, and it has worked so much better for us than asking kids to sell things. They learn so much about organizing and time management and how to plan events.”

With a fundraising goal in mind, students also realize that event planning can be stressful, Jackson said. 

“But you also see a lot of unique friendships form that you wouldn’t expect,” she said. “It’s also so fun to see those talented students showcase their talents that normally wouldn’t do that in front of their peers.” 

Seth Hollingsworth, one of last year’s student directors, said he and his fellow students are excited for the upcoming show.

“The talent at Trussville continues to amaze us each and every year,” he said. “Each year, the show improves and expands as we had over 30 acts last year. We have learned so many valuable leadership and management skills through the organizing and execution of this event.”

Like past years, the categories for the event will be dance, song, theatrical (readings, acting, etc.), comedy, musical instruments and other. The other category, in past years, has often included juggling. 

Normally, the talent show has about 35 acts usually two to three minutes in length. 

Past “voice of the Huskies” Alan Taylor, who served as the public address announcer for Hewitt-Trussville High School football, basketball and baseball over a 10 year period, has emceed the event three times. He said his favorite thing about hosting the show is witnessing all the thriving talent in Trussville. 

“There are some really talented young people in the city,” Taylor said. “Some who are performing for the first time — watching those is the most fun, really. They do such a great job in everything from comedy to musical acts.” 

Most are musical acts, he said, in a variety of genres including everything from pop to country to gospel. Some students also engage the audience with Broadway-type acts that include music and words. 

“I remember one middle schooler who sang the national anthem,” Taylor said. “That one sticks out in my mind. But to see their confidence — that’s what I love. You will see them backstage working through their nerves, and you can tell it’s their first time.” 

This year’s show will include two start times: 4:30 p.m. for the elementary students and 7 p.m. for middle school and high school groups, though Jackson said the high school start time depends on the number of elementary entries. 

This is the first year the show will include students from multiple elementary schools, including Paine, Magnolia and Cahaba. 

“That part will be interesting,” Jackson said. “We’re used to having that community feel of our performers coming from one elementary school, so I’m curious to see how that goes.” 

As the biggest fundraiser for FBLA, proceeds from the show are not earmarked for specific things, Jackson said. 

“But usually the money goes toward our state leadership conference registration fees for students,” she said. “It’s usually held in Anaheim. We also award scholarships for students, and it also goes toward field trips to Atlanta. We’re a very active group.” 

Individuals and groups will be judged by three judges, Jackson said. 

“Our objective is to try to have people who don’t know many of the kids,” she said. “They are usually members of Miss Alabama circuit and therefore, they are exposed to a variety of talents.”

Students will rehearse the week of the event, and each age group will have one rehearsal and then a dress rehearsal the night before. 

Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults. The auditorium holds about 1,200 people.

For more information, go to the Annual Trussville’s Got Talent Facebook page or email Tracey Jackson at tracey.jackson@trussvillecityschools.com.