I encourage students to harness their passion and let it become a primary vehicle for expressing their understanding of this special moment in their lives. The entire drive behind a coming-of-age ceremony is to show maturity and capacity in a public setting. It is simply the convention of tradition that the Torah service is that setting. A serious project within a student’s field of passion will certainly entail work on their part, and is not simply a shortcut to a party.
So, your student is a musician. What would it mean as an accomplishment to perform a small suite of selected Jewish music? The pieces could be introduced for their Jewish connection, and performed solo or with friends. Or, perhaps your student composes and performs. Researching, composing, and performing (solo or otherwise) a composition reflecting their understanding of b* mitzvah is certainly an accomplishment and educationally meaningful experience. The same applies for any of the arts: dance, sculpting, painting, photography, writing graphic novels, slam poetry. All of these expressive forms can be forms used to express becoming b* mitzvah.
But wait, you’re concerned your student’s creativity is different? It doesn’t matter! It can be harnessed. Budding chefs could research Jewish recipes from across time and history. A tasting or even a full meal featuring recipes of the Jewish people requires a lot of work! Animal lovers can find ways of pursuing those passions in the course of b* mitzvah. The same is true for gardeners and outdoorsy types, no less than budding “content creators.” Name the passion, and there is some way of leveraging it for the foundation of your student’s special celebration.
Keep in mind these special framings do not preclude adding, or even building in special service projects for a more robust experience!