HOTLB: SHould makeup be considered an art?
Whether it is a bold lip, natural glow or heavy eyeshadow, makeup empowers people to embrace uniqueness and fosters self-expression. While new trends are constantly evolving in the beauty field, makeup should be used as a creative tool rather than a constrictive standard. Makeup is art, something that allows individuals to grow into themselves and showcase their personality.
Chicago is truly, all that jazz
Samo Theater’s performance of “Chicago” by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb perfectly encapsulated the musical’s iconic energy and bold acting. From Feb. 28 to March 9, Barnum Hall was alive with the intoxicating sounds of “Chicago.”
Sundance Film Festival: catapulting acting careers
The Sundance Film Festival has brought remarkable opportunities to aspiring filmmakers and actors, ready to make their mark on the world. Every year the Sundance Institute hosts the festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. This year out of 15,775 total film submissions and 484 episodic submissions, the festival debuted 88 feature films and six episodic projects, both fiction and nonfiction, each film inspiringly unique.
“Severance”: Good tv is back, you’re just not watching
As a die-hard Adam Scott fan, a fiend for cinematic memory-wipes (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” supremacy), and a staunch critic of capitalistic greed, I was bound to love “Severance”. But even if you don’t fit that mold, trust me: this show is a goddamn masterpiece.
Is artistic expression fueled or stifled by TikTok?
TikTok has given many a place where their artistic self-expression can thrive, while for others, it has become an excuse to hit pause; whether or not the platform is creatively stimulating or artistically suffocating is almost as controversial as the ban itself.
Rising Freshmen Win DTASC Acting Competition
32 schools, hundreds of students, Samo emerges victorious. On Nov. 9 Calliope Kirschbaum (’28), Sage Moore (’28), Alexandra Ornelas (’28) and Lea Zakharia (’28) took first place in the Female-Centric category at the Drama Teachers’ Association of Southern California (DTASC) Festival. Each of the four girls feels especially proud of their performance of “Dance Nation” by Claire Barron.
A Night of Motion: Samo Choir’s ‘Motus Perpetuus’
On Dec. 13, 2024, the Samo choir delivered a crowd of over 1,000 the cascading melodies of “Motus Perpetuus” for the 18th year running. Translated as “Perpetual Motion” in English, this annual winter concert tradition presents a beautifully unique listening journey.
From Snowfall to Sound: The Orchestra’s Winter Fantasy
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Samo Orchestra held their annual winter concert in front of a sold out Barnum crowd. Crowned by fake snow machines, Santa hats and festive lights projected across the walls, the near three hour show doubled down on the entertainment factor this time around.
“Wicked”ly Overhyped: A stage-to-screen slump
Jon M. Chu’s long-awaited adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” was supposed to be a dream come true for fantasy fans everywhere. While the film had a few redeeming qualities– the set design and vocal talent were certainly impressive–the movie was a major disappointment. Clocking in at nearly three hours and with a budget of $150 million, “Wicked” was oversaturated with color and misplaced energy.
Disney and decisions: Stepping stones in Samo music
Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) is an exclusive choir event held at the University of Redlands that brings together some of the most talented young singers. After the selective audition process, performances were held Nov. 7-9. This event offers incredible experiences to perform alongside students from all over Southern California. This year, eight Samo students auditioned and got accepted to participate in this selective competition. Students who perform well during regionals have the opportunity to move on to the next level: a state competition. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their vocal skills and experience performing with a talented group of peers. For these students, SCVA is not just about the competition, but a chance to pursue singing outside the classroom and push themselves as musicians.
Love, Acceptance and Equality: “The Prom”
“The Prom,” at Santa Monica's Morgan Wixson Theater had their opening show on Nov. 9 featuring Samo students Walden Sullivan (’25), Andy Rowles (’25), Sahar Aguilar (’26), Sterling Inatsugu (’27), Maia Goldberg (’28), Cole Huang (’28), Mia Negrete (’28) and Ethan Schwartz (’28). They created an atmosphere of compassion and acceptance that gave the audience an inspired and heartwarming feeling.
Rumbles and rivalries: Samo Theater’s “The Outsiders”
Captivating. Heartfelt. Truly immersive. Samo theater’s adaptation of “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton drew the audience into the complex emotional struggles of the young Greasers and Socials. In a mix of poignant and uplifting moments, Samo’s Humanities Center was filled with laughter, gasps, and sorrow.
Bitopics: Blurring bounadries
Biopics; taking real stories and -for the most part- twisting the truth. This form of media has been increasingly both popular and incredibly controversial in recent years. Whether it’s misrepresentation, or simply flat-out lies, there are evident dramatics used as tools to create certain narratives and push agendas in much of the biopic hemisphere.
Day of the Dead gallery
On Oct. 24 from 4-6 PM, Roberts Art Gallary at Samo hosted a vibrant Dia De Los Muertos art exhibition. The event showcased an array of artistic expressions, featuring Ofrendas, artwork from AP art, drawing, ceramics and film, along with contributions from John Adams Middle School.