O’Neal Upper School Theater Teacher Joni Warner and her students received a superior rating at the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) Regional High School Play Festival after performing Jeffery Harr’s “If You Can’t Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry” at Shelby High School Oct. 28 and 29.
This follows the school’s first-ever superior rating received last year at NCTC with its performance of “Frumpled Fairy Tales.”
In addition to a superior rating, the following awards were given: Theatre Arts — Excellence in Dynamic Duo to Caitlyn Blocklinger and Savannah Campbell; Excellence in Design and Production — Assistant Student Director to Jay Greytak; and Excellence in Design and Production — Lighting Design and Assistant Stage Management to Daniel Wray.
“I could not be prouder of my ‘small and mighty crew,’” states director Joni Warner. “These students were exceptional. They stepped up when they could have easily stepped out. Presenting at this particular competition with only two performers and two crew members is basically unheard of. Their commitment to their craft is undeniable. The willingness of these students to overcome several obstacles is beyond impressive. They represented themselves and their school in the best possible way.”
The 15-minute two-character play has Annarosarosemarie, played by freshman Caitlynn Blocklinger, a student who is super hyped for her first play audition before Miss Johnson, played by junior Savannah Campbell. Miss Johnson, a teacher whose extra duty was to direct the school play, was not at all prepared for the performance she received.
This year, over 2,000 students from 87 schools are performing 112 plays at 7 regional sites.
At a special performance of the one-act play before their peers, the cast announced the school’s new charter to the International Thespian Society and gave appreciation to Upper School Theater Teacher Joni Warner for her efforts in applying for the charter.
The International Thespian Society is the only theatre honor society in the United States for middle and high school students. Through its membership, the affiliation brings credibility and distinction to the School, its theatre program, and its students.
Feature photo: (L-R) Director Joni Warner, Assistant Student Director Jay Greytak, “Miss Johnson” Savannah Campbell, “Annarosarosemarie” Caitlyn Blocklinger, Lighting and Production Daniel Wray.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
