By Annabelle King
The first coffeehouse of the 2023-2024 school year featured a brand-new committee. Seniors Verity Berthelsen, Violet Wexler, Carrie Murphy, and Crosby Jassem have been working tirelessly to uphold the legacy of coffeehouse, an event that has been a part of LREI for over ten years. In the spring of last year, these four coordinators created their first coffeehouse, becoming one of the most attended coffeehouses in post-COVID school. However, this coffeehouse looked very different, with just under a month to plan. Along with coffeehouse advisor Ann Carroll, the coordinators organized boxes of mini pumpkins, hung orange decorations, and put out a basket of Halloween candy. Coordinator Verity Berthelsen said, “Coffeehouse is always supposed to be a comfortable place and we really just wanted to make it fun. People really enjoy themed things and everyone just really loves fall!” The PAC was transformed into a cozy, fall-themed escape. Fairy lights were set up to make it feel like you were not in school at all, but instead in a warm theatre season. An 11th grader in attendance, Crosby Gersh, said, “I really loved the round tables! It made it feel more cozy.” You could tell how much work went into the production of coffeehouse just by the curation of ambiance that made the event all the more memorable. The event was packed, with many squeezing into one of the few empty chairs or standing in the back of the PAC. The performance space felt very welcoming and inviting to those who had not been there before and was a very supportive group and environment for those who were performing. Berthelson said, “We want to emphasize that it is a community forward, and anyone is always welcome to showcase their talents and it is supposed to be a fun night together where we can just listen to some music!”
Performing at coffeehouse is no small feat either. Students cover a wide range of performance arts, such as singing, dancing, acting, and other special talents. Performing takes practice, bravery, and talent. Junior Osato Oronsaye performed in the latest coffeehouse twice – once alone singing a song from Heathers, and once in a duo, singing and acting out a song from Be More Chill. When asked how they prepared singing in coffeehouse Oronsaye said, “Usually I just wing it. Because it’s such low stakes I usually do a little run-through on what I want to do for the act but nothing too crazy. Except for the recent one when I performed with Mars. That one did a lot more practicing and time after school but it was worthwhile in the end.” Coffeehouse is meant to be a somewhat low-stakes environment where performers should feel comfortable up on stage. Stressing about an act is discouraged, as the event is supposed to be an easygoing showcase of talent. However, diligence is expected, and to perform is to practice. That is why Oronsaye spent time ensuring their performance was smooth and memorized.
Oronsaye loves coffeehouse despite any imagined pressures. “I like it because it’s fun and that’s really all I can say to be honest. Performing is one of my passions so whenever I get an opportunity to perform, I can’t back down. Another plus is the atmosphere of coffeehouse is so much fun and it’s low stakes so it feels like there’s less judgment in comparison to an actual show in front of the school.” Oronsaye loves performing at coffeehouse because “I just find the environment and the support so good for my performance. No matter how bad I think I did people still love my acts and just generally have a good time and that’s what I care about. And I keep going back because I love the support and the audience and you can tell everyone is there for a good time.”
Careful planning, passionate talent, and a supportive audience are what keep coffeehouse coming back. Coffeehouse has always been central to LREI and is very important to bringing the community together and showcasing creativity, as well as what makes this school so special. It is special to be able to create an environment where people want to come back to the school building hours after 3:20, especially on a Friday. The amount of people that show up goes to show LREI’s love of coffeehouse. It’s a great time, and this past coffeehouse was a fantastic example of that.