Over the last couple of weeks, Canada’s travelling pop culture game show, Pop Whiz, visited elementary and secondary schools in the District Municipality of Muskoka.
Pop Whiz is a trivia game show that challenges teens on pop culture knowledge. The show allowed 10 students to compete per episode. The contestants all compete in round 1, then, the top five contestants move on to round 2, then the top two contestants in round 3. The first place winner in each group wins $750, and the second place winner $250!
“In Pop Whiz, and our mobile studio on wheels, we have designed a unique opportunity to engage students and bring the experience of a ’shiny-floor’ game show directly to their school,” said Pop Whiz producer and director, Serge Gallinaro. “From teachers and administrators, to parents, and most importantly to the students who brought infectious energy and represented their schools as ambassadors, we have been whole-heartedly embraced by our community partners across Muskoka who welcomed this opportunity with open arms. It was awesome to meet and work with these young people, and I hope we were able to bring a positive and memorable experience to everyone involved.”
On November 21, Pop Whiz visited Muskoka Beechgrove Public School (MBPS) and had 12 student volunteers participate in the filming of an episode of the show!
“The best part was making it to the next round, and then seeing my friends win!” said MBPS student, Michael MacKinnon. “I’d recommend this to anyone because it was a cool experience and it’s going to be on TV.”
“My favourite part was the anticipation of the questions and then having to answer so quickly,” said MBPS student, Mya MacDonald. “I am happy I did it because I would’ve been disappointed if I didn’t take the chance.”
On November 22 and 23, Pop Whiz visited Huntsville High School (HHS). Over the course of two days, 30 drama and music students were also given the opportunity to participate in one of three episodes of the show!
“Being on Pop Whiz was such a unique experience for me as someone who wants to one day work in the entertainment industry. Not only was it cool to be a part of the episode, but it was also insightful to be able to see how reality shows are filmed and all the background work you don’t see on the screen. I would not have thought that an opportunity like this would have rolled my way coming from Huntsville, but I am extremely glad it did!” said HHS student, Tiya Patel.
“It was a really fun and exciting experience for me. It was nerve racking yet they made you feel so comfortable to be yourself. I am so honoured to have been able to take part in it. Thank you so much for the opportunity!” said HHS student, Samantha Beattie.
The episodes will air on GameTV in spring 2024.
