Prefect Council hosted a spring-themed Coffeehouse in Chalmers lounge after school Feb. 28. The event featured a variety of musical, comedic and theatrical performances, and Prefect Council provided coffee and festive cookies.

Prefect Nyla Shelton ’24 said Prefect Council aims to bring art and joy into the lives of students and faculty while celebrating the new season.

“The goal of the Coffeehouse is to provide a fun and relaxed medium for artists and performers at [the school] to express themselves,” Shelton said. “For Spring Coffeehouse, we really wanted the decor to be cheery and colorful, to play into the joyfulness often associated with springtime.”

Shelton said Coffeehouses bring the community members together by creating a space for people to bond over shared talents or appreciate the artistic accomplishments of their peers.

“I find that it’s really important for artists at [the school] to have ways to share their craft with members of the school community,” Shelton said. “I feel the laid-back environment of a Coffeehouse is the perfect medium. Seeing members of the community pack into the lounge to support their peers proves and emphasizes the community-driven bond that so many people [here] share.”

Carter Staggs ’23, who performed a stand-up comedy routine, said the Coffeehouse served as a reminder of the community’s supportive environment.

“After every performance, there was uproarious applause, and when people made mistakes they were met with words of encouragement from the audience,” Staggs said. “It truly was an incredible atmosphere.”

Whitney Enenstein ’24, who played her guitar and sang “I Almost Do” by Taylor Swift, said she appreciated the opportunity to both perform for her classmates and observe as an audience member.

“I enjoyed performing. It has been a while since I have gotten a chance to perform at school other than in the musical,” Enenstein said. “This was my first time at an Upper School Coffeehouse, so I especially appreciated the supportive environment created by people who are all very passionate about music and performing. It was very fun to watch others perform as well.”

Following the planned acts, an open mic allowed audience members to take their own chance at performing on a whim. Features Assistant Editor Harry Tarses ’23 emceed and others joined in on the impromptu performances.