Cabrillo College is rolling out its first-ever talent show — Cabrillo’s Got Talent — a new event designed to highlight the wide range of student creativity on campus.

The idea for the event came from Elena Houle, chair of the Inter-Club Council, and student senator Arturo Marquez who saw it as a fun way to showcase the artistic talents often overlooked on Cabrillo’s commuter-based campus.

“We just thought it’d be a great way for people to express themselves and show what they’ve been working on — whether it’s singing, guitar, or theater,” Houle said.

This is the first year of the event, and the sign-up process was kept simple. A QR code was sent out to all campus clubs, linking to a Google Sheet where students can list their name, talent, and contact info.

So far, around seven performers have signed up, bringing a mix of talents to the stage. Although there will be a panel of judges, including art faculty member Tobin Keller and student senators — Houle emphasized that the show isn’t about competition.

“It’s really low-stakes,” she said. “We just want people to have fun and enjoy being on stage. It’s about celebrating creativity, not ranking it.”
Houle sees Cabrillo’s Got Talent as more than just a show — it’s a chance to build community.

“Cabrillo is a commuter college, and that can make it hard for people to connect,” she said.

“Events like this help break that barrier. It gives students a space to meet each other and share what they love.” she added.

Cabrillo’s Got Talent kicks off Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Samper Recital Hall. Come out to support your classmates, enjoy the show, and celebrate student creativity.