Rutland County 4-H’ers took the stage at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in West Springfield, Massachusetts, Sept. 20 and 21. The Rutland Performance and Arts Club presented 97 acts on the New England Center Stage, while the Tuff Riders, a horse-focused 4-H club, gave about seven presentations on stage as well as offstage demonstrations.
Tuff Riders members who presented at the Big E were Thea Chase, Cecelia Pearson, and Anna Campopiano. This author was impressed by their knowledge and public speaking skills, as well as their ability to clearly explain a process step by step.
Rutland County has the only 4-H club in New England specific to the performing arts that we are aware of. Club members who performed this year at the Big E were James Shorey, vocal solos and duets; Remi Barry, vocal solos and poetry recitation; Aliza Smith, vocal solos and duets; Olivia Guevin, sign language, a poetry slam, and original poetry recitation; Isabelle Guevin, poetry recitation; John Crowningshield, vocal solos and vocal with guitar solos; Garrett Crowningshield, vocal solos; and Adeline White, vocal solos and duets.
This was White’s sixth time representing Vermont 4-H at the Big E. In fact, her participation in 4-H performance arts led to the creation of the Rutland Performance and Arts Club. White has been a 4-H member for 10 years and for much of that time was the only 4-H member in Rutland County in the performance arts project. In 2021, she also represented Vermont 4-H at the National Association of Agricultural Aggregates National Convention in Philadelphia, where she virtually performed “Castle on a Cloud” from “Les Misérables.” Believing that other young people would be interested in and benefit from a performance arts club, White’s mother helped bring the idea to life. The Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H Club (RPA) was formed in July 2022.
Since RPA was formed, numerous club members have qualified to perform at The Big E. To get there, 4-H members must first perform at County Day in the spring in hopes of qualifying for State Day. Those who advance perform at State Day in Barre later in the spring, for a chance to represent Vermont at the Big E in September.
At the Big E, delegates arrive on Saturday to settle in and participate in a parade. On Sunday and Monday, they take turns performing on the New England Center Stage from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., alternating 2 hours on stage and 2 hours off. It is an immense honor to participate as a delegate at the Big E.
The Rutland Performance and Arts Club also offers an opportunity to the community each year by holding a Youth Talent Show open to all area youth at the Brandon Town Hall, with support from the Brandon Recreation Department. This winter, auditions will be Feb. 7, with the show scheduled for Feb. 27.
Club members who take part in the show have the opportunity to run and score auditions, perform, emcee, and set up and tear down sound equipment. In keeping with the 4-H philosophy of “learning by doing,” the talent show gives members hands-on experience while also giving them a chance to perform.
To learn more about Rutland County 4-H, contact County Educator Moonshine Shorey at [email protected]. To find out more about the Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H Club or the Youth Talent Show in February, contact Bethany White at [email protected].
