CMC continues holiday talent show tradition

December 25, 2024

CMC Holiday Talent Show drew a few dozen audience members from the population and staff.

An 18-year tradition of putting on a holiday performance and talent show continued at the California Men’s Colony (CMC).

The Dec. 18 performance included approximately 20 incarcerated individuals from D Yard who rehearsed for three months.

The play, which also incorporated a talent show, was based on a king looking to find his successor. The king is to determine who will rule based on different talents performed by those in surrounding kingdoms.

Talents included singing, playing instruments, stand-up comedy, and dancing.

Performer Adam Ingala-Whiting, who has been playing guitar for nearly six years, sang several Christmas songs. He also wrote his own tune to perform called “A Song About a Girl.”

“I’m on top of the world when I get to share music with people,” he said. “It brings me joy and I know it also brings joy to others.”

A man sings and plays guitar at a holiday talent show at California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo. — Adam Ingala-Whiting performs at the CMC Holiday Talent Show.

Michael Woodcock, who has been singing and playing guitar for more than 30 years, said this was his first time performing in front of an audience.

“I had a lot of inspiration from staff when they heard I wrote a song. They said, ‘Oh you got to do it, it’s a talent show,'” Woodcock said. “I’m elated. I had a fear of playing in front of people, and now that it is done, I want to get back up on that stage.”

CMC’s mental health staff showed true holiday spirit, offering cookies and coffee to all who attended.

There were more than a dozen incarcerated individuals, as well as a dozen staff members, who watched the talent show.

“For the guys who work hard to do this play and see people laughing and intrigued, it is very special. It’s amazing (how) people are willing to step into their humanity and be there for other people, even the incarcerated population,” said Ingala-Whiting.

Staff support made impact

Staff watch the talent show at California Men's Colony.

“Seeing the staff here and supporting us was important to me because I have been in prison for so long, I feel like I don’t matter,” said Woodcock. “When I saw (staff) here, it changed my thoughts about (them) and showed they do care.”

In the end, no single performer was crowned. Instead, the king chose all the people to help rule his kingdom.

Ingala-Whiting quoted the popular holiday movie “Elf” when describing the talent show.

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear,” he said.

Story by Ashton Harris, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications