(Columbia, SC) – On Saturday March 15, the MTC Showoff highlighted Mavericks as they competed for the title of the Biggest Showoff and a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize. Additionally, live audience voting allowed those watching in-person and online to cast their vote for their favorite act and a $500 prize.
Ciarra Howcott brought home the title of the Biggest Showoff and the $1,000 grand prize. During her spoken word performance, Howcott shared historical information about African Americans in an excerpt of her book and looks ahead to becoming a best-selling author one day.
Drummer Alexander Drakes started the second act with a powerful drum performance combined with seven different music tracks. A future dentist in the making, Drakes drummed up votes to secure the title of Audience Favorite and the $500 prize.
Harbison Theatre Executive Director Kristin Cobb shared how the competition brings out some of the best talent at MTC. “It’s always inspiring to see the talent Midlands Tech has. The passion these students and alumni bring to the stage, showing off their skills through voice, word, music and dance, is one of my favorite events the theatre hosts every year.”
The Showoff would not have been possible without support from many community partners. Three judges – Heather McCue, Don Russo, and Intisar Faulkner – helped choose the Biggest Showoff Columbia Children’s Theatre Executive Director Jerry Stevenson worked with all 10 contestants to perfect their talent and offered artistic guidance from the auditions to the competition.
For those who were unable to make the Showoff, you can watch the entire performance on the Harbison Theatre YouTube channel.