On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Fillmore Towne Theatre hosted its first talent show with its new owner Sean McCully who purchased the theatre back in 2021. The event was a overall success and the house packed. Pictured above were the judges for this year’s show as they waited for the performances to begin. Photo by Carina Monica Montoya.

Written by Carina Monica Montoya

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Fillmore Town Theatre held a talent show. It was the first talent show held at the theatre since its new owner, Sean McCully, purchased it in 2021. The event was a success and packed a full house. The ten contestants were Luv2dance students who performed advanced hip-hop; Luv2dance (girls ages 6-8); singer Madisson Galante; Fourth grader Grace Fertig who danced ballet to a Kelly Clarkson song; comedian Safari Dave; Mariachi H.E.L.; singer Michael Kirby; comedienne Brenda Pontiff; Dancers Monica, Sara, and Karina; and guitarist/singer Graciela Herrera. First place went to Luv2dance Minis; Second place went to singer Michael Kirby; and third place went to dancers Monica, Sara, and Karina. The winners were exceptional performers and were judged on a scale of 1-5, stage presence, quality of performance, audience reception, and creativity. The judges were Lisa Prather, the Entertainment Chair for Relay of Life Conejo Valley and Santa Clarita Valley; comedian William Hubbard; Luana Barajas, an 8th grade English teacher at Fillmore Middle School; Erin Fagundes, a veteran actress, producer and director; Shawn Adams-Lanz, a veteran producer in Ventura County; and Miss Alynette, a radio personality who hosts All Things 805, and also hosts on KCOP, KOSJ, KQAV, KQIE, KWIE, and KXFM.

The last talent show featured at the Fillmore Theater was in 1919 and was a major town event. Boys dressed up like Charlie Chaplin in a lookalike contest. It was during a time when the town’s theater was the gathering place for entertainment. The Fillmore Theatre today “is dedicated to connecting artistic expression to the human experience, with the aim of fostering a sense of community through various artistic mediums such as musical concerts, community theater, arts education events, film festivals, and arts presentations.”