Mason Dowd and Elise Romero in “Daddy's Girl”.
of taking a mainstage to conference state that you have two hours
to build the set on stage and one hour to take it down. We knew
that we had to choose a show where this task would be doable.”
Marty Reardon, a former Thespian parent, built the set. After
the students did the painting and decorating, Reardon showed
everyone how to take apart and put the set back together so that
we could achieve this task in the allotted amount of time.
A total of 38 students went to conference, and all of them
helped with the show in some capacity. The main cast consisted
of 13 actors: Adam Chaplin,Haley Contrella, Jake Dabkowski,
Lexi DiLucia, Paris Dirksen, Mason Dowd, Cole McGlumphy,
Chloe Mesogitis, Abby Michalski, Arianna Ranallo, Ellie
Racunas,Nick Traficante and Miah Whitmore. However, in
order to include more students on stage, Cygrymus wrote to the
publisher and was given permission to have extra customers on
stage. The following students played those customers and also
served as understudies throughout the rehearsal period: Lydia
Browell, Alyssa Morrow, Julianna Paul, Elise Romero, Hannah
Salley, Emma Scarton and Anna Traumuller.
Of course, the production could not have been successful
without the students who worked as
student directors, stage managers and
crew members including: Max Andrae,
Alex Briegel, Anthony DiBattista, Abbey
Donina, Maggie English, Madyson
Glesky, Sam Grau, Nathan Hoskins,
Amanda Kolson, and Garrett Langley.
Angela Le, Caroline Mountain Kelsey
Mullan, Morgan Palovick, Abbey
Scannell, Mia Thomas and Jaydon
Whisker.
The show was undoubtedly a
success and was very well received. “We
were the opening show and received
a standing ovation as well as several
compliments throughout the remaining
days of the conference,” says Cygrymus.
“Immediately following our performance,
three other directors acted as responders
and talked to all of us about what they
liked about the show as well as gave us
pointers for the future.”
PTHS Theater Troupe 185
One student from every show presented was chosen to be part
of the conference’s All-Star Cast. Haley Contrella was given that
honor from “Daddy’s Girl.”
In addition to attending many mainstage and one-act
performances, the students participated in three workshops over
the three-day conference, covering topics like Acting, Directing,
Stage Combat, How to Audition, Lighting, Makeup and more.
Some students also participated in a Tech Challenge and a
Makeup Challenge.
Additionally, some students chose to participate in Individual
Performances where they were adjudicated by teachers and
directors. Lexi DiLucia, Chloe Mesogitis, Nicholas Traficante,
and Miah Whitmore each received a Superior rating making
them eligible to attend the International Thespian Festival in
June.
Members from Troupe 185 swept the competition with
accolades and honors left and right. Senior Chloe Mesogitis
was chosen for the Performance Hall of Fame and Senior
Garrett Langley for the Technical Hall of Fame. Alex Briegel and
Garrett Langley came in first place in the cable relay in the Tech
Challenge.
Chloe Mesogitis and Miah Whitmore, performed for college
representative and both won cash awards to be used at the college
of their choice.
“Theater, and in particular Troupe 185, is important because it
gives students who are interested in the arts a place to hone their
craft and a place for them to learn more in the areas of acting and
musical theater.” says Cygrymus. “Being a part of theater fosters
real world skills such public speaking and team work. This troupe
not only provides entertainment to the community, but it has
become a family to so many of the students involved.”
“Being a part of the state conference is a great way for students
to meet college representatives, be adjudicated on performances
and participate in workshops,” continues Cygrymus. “But
arguably the most valuable part of conference is having the
chance to see other high school students perform and to learn
from them—all while being given the opportunity to make
lasting friendships in the process.” ■
PETERS TOWNSHIP
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