Simcoe Composite Secondary School
Above: McKinnon Park preforming No Horse Town
Earlier this spring, drama students in the Grand Erie District School board took their talents to the stage at the National Theatre School Drama Festival (NTS DramaFest), vying for coveted awards in a series of performance competitions.
Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School hosted this year's District Festival, facing off against Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School, Paris District High School, McKinnon Park Secondary School, Cayuga Secondary School and Waterford District High School. Tyler Collins, a film and theatre critic, handed out several awards, including Outstanding Show for BCI's 'Mountain Man' and McKinnon Park's 'No Horse Town'.
"Participating in DramaFest allowed me to expand on concepts I'd been shown previously. It broadened my understanding and perspective in a way that will help me evolve as I pursue a career in acting," said Sebastian Lacey, a Grade 9 actor. At the award ceremony, Lacey took home an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Actor.
Brantford Collegiate and McKinnon Park then advanced to the South Regionals in Windsor, where both schools secured awards of Excellence and Merit.
Brantford Collegiate's Daniel Soos and Danny Schuyler received the Spirit of Festival Award of Excellence in Musical Performance and the Award of Merit for Playwriting, respectively. McKinnon Park's Kennedi Noonan was awarded for Technical Direction, and Annice Adams was given the Award of Merit for Acting.
Adams, Grade 11, spoke on the festival's impact, explaining that it's "Such a great experience for any student interested in drama. Not only does it shine a much-needed light on student art and creativity, but the community that these shows create is unlike any other."
Grand Erie was represented at the provincial NTS DramaFest, with BCI's Lillian Howard taking home the Ken and Ann Watts Scholarship.
The passion of Grand Erie's drama students and their DramaFest achievements speak to the dedication to their craft," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "We're proud of all participants and the educators who support them every step of the way."
Opportunities like DramaFest celebrate student voice and artistic expression, building on life skills such as collaboration and leadership in line with Grand Erie's multi-year plan.
