John McGregor and Chatham-Kent secondary schools impressed at the annual Sears Drama Festival.
Performances by both schools – “The Network” by CKSS and “Phoenix” by JMSS – earned outstanding production awards and advance to regional competition.
The local element of the drama festival took place at the Cultural Centre recently, with nine performances running Feb. 24-26.
“Phoenix” scooped up more than just a berth in the regionals, as it also took top spot for set design and construction, received awards of merit for lighting and student composed music, and awards of excellence for outstanding visual concept and ensemble work.
“The Network” earned accolades, including a second place finish in set design, an award of merit for use of colour, and an award of excellence for use of modern technology.
Other awards handed out from the drama festival:
Theatre Kent Award for Technical Excellence – Emma DeKoning, JMSS
Tecumseh Award for Set Design and Construction – “Quasi” by Ecole secondaire de Pain Court
Sears Committee Scholarship – Mary VanDenBossche, JMSS
Outstanding Stage Management Award – Sophie Farrugia, JMSS; honourable mention to Rebecca Koppes, CKSS
Participation Award – Ridgetown District High School
Awards of Merit – Use of Props, “Roar,” JMSS; Movement and Choreography, “Fearful Symmetry,” Ursuline College Chatham; Original Playwriting, “Dystopium,” Blenheim District High School; Visual Design, “Face Forward,” Wallaceburg District Secondary School; Dramatic Movement, “Roar,” JMSS; Outstanding First Time Entry, “Screaming, But Not,” Glencoe District High School; and Ensemble Work, “Quasi,” ESPC.
Awards of Excellence – Outstanding Performance by Actors, “Wrecked,” RDHS; Costumes/Hair/Make Up, “Dystopium,” BDHS; Outstanding Sound, “Fearful Symmetry,” UCC; and Outstanding Student Direction, Monty Langford, CKSS.
