Crossroads News

Eleventh Graders Organize Virtual Showcase to Spread Joy

Juniors Lila Grayson and Dahlia Trilling create performance video for communities struggling during the pandemic.
Virtuoso Showcase, the latest project of Crossroads juniors Lila Grayson and Dahlia Trilling, launched on April 25. Featuring musical performances by their peers in the Crossroads performing arts community, the video is the first in what Lila and Dahlia plan to be a recurring showcase distributed to underserved communities in Los Angeles and beyond.
 
“We were inspired to create this organization when we were both talking about the need to do something artistic in our lives during this time of isolation, while bringing joy to communities that are suffering,” Lila explained.
 
For their first video, Lila and Dahlia reached out to seniors Levi Port and Lucas Wurman and fellow junior Lindsay Gross, who each responded with enthusiasm to the idea. The co-creators gave the performers guidelines and due dates; they wanted Virtuoso Showcase to be “very organized and professional.”

After editing the student submissions into one video, Lila and Dahlia then shared Virtuoso Showcase with The People Concern, Union Rescue Mission, Upward Bound House and the Salvation Army.
 
“We have received great responses! They love our mission and what we create,” Lila noted. “They were blown away by the amount of talent in the video as well!”
 
Lila and Dahlia plan to collect submissions for future videos from students across the country and connect with other communities in need nationwide.
 
“We are two people that love the performing arts, and we think that spreading the joy of live theater is extremely vital during this time,” Lila added. “Even through distancing, its still important that we as a community come together to share and enjoy our passions and talents.”
 
Check out highlights from their first video here.
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