“The Diviners” placed second overall at CETA South’s Theatre Festival.
Pali has a history of doing very well in the CETA South competition.
The cast put on a ten-minute compilation of the show, which was arranged by Ms. Kraus and Senior Katie Lantz in a “Festival of Scenes” with seven other schools.
The students were also able to participate in three different workshops of their choosing. The workshops included programs like “How to Win in Hollywood Parts 1, 2 and 3,” “Stage Management Survival” and “Physical Theatre."
“I took a class called ‘Out of the Head and into the Body Shakespeare,’” Freshman Bailey Higgins said. “Instead of thinking too much about what Shakespeare was saying I learned how to act with my body and speak the language and own the words. I didn't think I was going to learn so much but now I feel so prepared for any Shakespeare that comes my way.”
Besides participating in workshops, seniors were given the opportunity to audition for scholarship awards in both technical and dramatic theatre. Over 100 students tried out for the six dramatic scholarships given out at the end of the weekend. Senior Alessandra Varsano made it to the final group of 17 students.
Three additional students were selected to receive technical theatre scholarships to further their studies on a college level. Out of the three selected, two of the students were from Pali. Senior Katie Lantz was chosen for the scholarship based on her work in costuming, and Senior Lexi Rubaum received the scholarship for her work in set design. Both received $750 for their work.
In addition to thespians being chosen as scholarship recipients, Senior Sean Pinto won the Best Actor award for his work in the Festival of Scenes compilation of “The Diviners.”
The weekend ended on a high note for “The Diviners” cast and crew. The school ended up getting second place overall in the competition. "I've never had a better time with people that I love," Sophomore Alana Best said. "It was a life changing experience."
Read more by Gabby Bonder. Visit her blog at: gabbybonder.blogspot.com
Mike Smith has been hired as the Interim Executive Director for the 2010-2011 school year.