Canfield Players host “Synergy of the Arts”

On Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium, more than 25 Canfield High School students will perform a varied array of artistic endeavors in a talent show performance. Unlike most talent shows, during “Synergy of the Arts” students have to base their talent on the influence of another student’s art.

The event began in September with an artist opening a fortune cookie. That student, Nicole Noakes, then had one week to use the saying on the fortune cookie as her inspiration to create an artistic piece, in her case, a ballet dance. At the end of the week, she shared her dance with the next student, Mackenzie Wright who then created a poem based on Nicole’s dance. From there, each artist in line continued to inspire another using, guitar, acting, film, song writing, drawing, sculpture and painting as their mediums. They each had one week to prepare their art form, based on the work of the previous artist.

This is the sixth anniversary of the program, which has grown to be one of the favorites of the students and staff at Canfield.

“What I love best is the integration of students across the arts in this program. It is exciting for students who may spend hours a week on an art form to have the opportunity to showcase it for their peers and the community in this forum,” said Becky Heikkinen, the Canfield Players advisor.

While many students thought the format might prove to be limiting, in many cases having to work within a tight parameter has actually enhanced their creativity.

This event is the only fundraiser offered by the Canfield Players Drama Club and helps support the musicals and plays performed by the group.