City Spotlights Staff Blog | Week 6 | Catherine Giorgetti

Week six of City Spotlights has always been my favorite. The ways in which all our previous events build into creating one spectacular piece has always blown me away. Our teens work so hard all summer, and seeing the way it culminates has always left me in awe. This year was no different, but I did have more context for their incredible work than I did before. 

As my first year co-directing Final Showcase, it was a little nerve-wracking to see how all the separate pieces could fit into one show. But our Teen Leaders went above and beyond in creating their pieces so that there was a clear flow right away. The teens had such a pulse on what all the specialties were creating and even had some ideas of where pieces could fit. Each piece had a clear message and story, and the teens did a great job at being so clear with the art they made. 

Final Showcase rehearsals can feel intense, but the teens this summer handled it all with grace and care. They spent downtime rehearsing and did not waste a minute of rehearsal time. By the time we concluded our final rehearsal on Wednesday, their commitment and passion were so clear. As Final Showcase itself began, all I could feel was pride in our Teen Leaders and the work they put in. Color Theory: Shades of Truth was poignant, important, and proved that teenagers are the future, and we must listen to their voices. 

Throughout the rest of the week, the shoutouts, praises, and reflections warmed the Shubert Theatre. Finishing off City Spotlights 2026 with Commencement and celebrating all the accomplishments of the summer was the perfect way for our teens to Sprout beyond the walls of the program. Although the summer has wrapped up, I am so excited to see what our teens bring in the future.