Rogers' Got Talent!

It takes talent to showcase talent. That’s what brother-sister duo Olivia and Lukas Chaves discovered while organizing this year’s talent show for their senior project, which hits the stage tonight.

“It was so much more work than we anticipated. At times we were overwhelmed by getting all of the acts in one place at one time, but it has been a very rewarding process,” Olivia Chaves said.

The pair started by spreading the word in February. They made flyers and brochures, held auditions and decided on the final 14 acts. Scheduling audition and rehearsal times that fit everyone’s schedules was one of the biggest challenges, they said.  They also had to learn how to work the lights, curtains and sound system to perfect the performances.

The Chaveses not only organized the entire show, they’re performing a duet as the final act. Olivia will take to the mic and play guitar while Lukas accompanies her on the flute.  They said it’s a bit nerve-wracking, but they’re excited to show their appreciation for the arts.

Being musicians, it’s natural that they would want the talent show to benefit the arts as well.  All the money they raise at tonight’s show will go directly back into the Rogers High School Arts Department.

“Art is such an important part of a student’s education, but many art programs are being cut from school systems across the nation and we wanted to shed a light on this issue through our talent show,” Olivia Chaves said. “The talent show is also a great opportunity for the students at Rogers to showcase their unbelievable and amazing talents.”

The audience can expect diversity in the programming. Performances include a routine from the Rogers cheerleaders, martial arts, Irish step dancing, and original songs, among others.

Mentor and arts department head Alan Bernstein and art teacher Barbara Wunderler also helped make the show possible.

The Rogers High School Talent Show is tonight, March 24, from 6 to 9 p.m.