OPSB.net - WMHS Troupe #442 Attends Conference at NSU

West Monroe High School Theatre Department Thespian Troupe #442 sent thirty-five delegates and director Shirley Fields to the State Conference at Northwestern State University, January 19-20. Delegates attended such workshops as acting, leadership, musical theatre, improvisation, technical theatre, dance and how to audition for jobs and scholarships. The troupe also performed a showcase excerpt from The Diary of Anne Frank for adjudication. Students competed in duet acting and in solo musical theatre. National representatives from the Educational Theatre Association from throughout the nation served as judges. The troupe also performed in Cabaret with scenes and songs from School House Rock, Les Miserables and The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year. The troupe will celebrate its fifty year anniversary in October of 2007.

Click ‘read more’ below for competition results…

Scenes from The Diary of Anne Frank received commendation for the strong educational value of our choice, emotional capabilities of the actors and for showcase of the ensemble's talents. The troupe received 18 superiors in areas of 11 categories: Blocking, Stage Composition and Picturization(Director)-use of stage, creation of levels; director's interpretation and capture of the playwright's intent; Tempo and Rhythm: actors' pickup of lines and cues; Technical (Crew): (adaptation to NSU stage) technical aspects to support director's concept; all elements together; Set: selection of set pieces to create feeling and mood and to travel to NSU; Lighting: enhancement of overall appearance of the production and lighting design; Makeup: Makeup design to support age and personality; aging esp. hair (difficult to age high school for adult roles.) Sound: design and cues and actor's projection without microphones.

WMHS had the oldest troupe present at the conference. Adjudicator of the Showcase of Productions: Beverly Moerbe, Educational Theatre Association Leadership Coach for Az, NM, GA, OK, LA and Alberta. Quote from Mrs. Moerbe: "Thank you for doing this show. This piece is always a good selection for a group of good actors. Thank you for bringing it to our attention again. We must never forget. This could happen to us!"

The cast: Hannah McCarty-Anne Frank, Morgan McMurry-Mr. Frank, Erin Simon-Mrs. Frank, Patricia King-Margot; Jessica Boniol- Mrs. van Daan, Caleb Chambless-Mr. van Daan, Jeffrey Long-Peter, Josh Sturdivant-Mr. Dussel, Hannah Underwood-Meip, Nazi's- Josh Croom, Taylor Anstead, and Zach Cox. Crew- all troupe 31 students, Stage Managers: Josh Croom, Allen Lee and Ryan Chenault; Consultant: Mrs. Diane McAdams; Director: Shirley Allen Fields