Written By: Thatiana Smith, Staff Writer
STORIES: Whether they are scary or happy they all make you feel something.
The 31st annual Ghost Walk hosted by the California Riverside Ballet, took place a few weeks ago. Ghost Walk is a two day event held at White Park that includes music, food, drinks, games, shopping and performances. The official theme this year was “Carnevil” that featured performances by some of the high schools in Riverside such as Poly, King, Ramona, and North. All of their performances fell under the Carnevil theme, whether it be about an unclaimed little girl or a poisonous dog that belonged to a rival clown.
The featured performance was a dance performed by the dancers of the California Riverside Ballet. Every year, the dancers perform a dance to a Thriller mashup. The only thing that’s different, besides the dance, is the theme. Last year’s theme was sirens and this year’s was Moulin Rouge. Those ladies and gentlemen of the company danced their feet off. Their dancing kept the audience engaged from the moment they stepped on stage until their last bow.
and Pierre Schwabe (12), performing the
scene Scary Unbirthday.
There were a total of six scenes. Two of those were directed by Poly students. Scary Unbirthday, written by Micheal Shane Eastman, and directed by Autumn Dawson (11), Isis Artry (11), and Thatiana Smith (11). Unclaimed, also written by Micheal Shane Eastman, and was directed by Addison Snider (10), Lucien Bär (10), and Mylo Ortega (11). The two stories are set around the “Carnevil” theme with Scary Unbirthday being about a murderous clown and Unclaimed telling the story of a little girl that burned down in a circus tent.
Day one and two followed the same schedule. Attendees would be separated in groups that followed a tour guide. All went to North’s performance and the performance by the California Riverside Ballet. Then, they would either go to the King side or the Poly side and watch their performances. Actor for Scary Unbirthday and Poly Student, Jaren Cochran (12), states that “the performances are so short compared to Poly’s regular programs performances.” Although the performances are short, they still leave a lasting impact on those who frequent the event.
introducing the scene while the actors prepare to preform
Cochran (12), also explains that Ghost Walk “was a great way to connect with those around [him], all while making it a fun experience to share stories that scare people.” He continued to say that “Ghostwalk is one of [his] most memorable experiences in theater.” Another actor for Unclaimed and Poly Student, Charlie R. (10) describes his experience as being “really exciting and really exhausting at the same time.”
Ghost Walk is an event one wouldn’t want to miss. The atmosphere that’s created is like none other. The people are so supportive of each other and there’s never any bad blood. On top of amazing performances, the vendors make amazing food and drinks and the arts and crafts team create special activities for the little ones to enjoy. The games that were played were fun and innovative and the people in costumes showed up dressed to impress. Overall, Ghost Walk is an event that everyone should attend once in their lifetime.