The school’s theater program’s first National Musical Theater Competition at the Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) was held over a three day long period, Feb. 7-9.
“The competition was against many different performing arts studios and schools in different categories,” junior Vivienne Dixon said. “We participated in Medley, which was a collection of songs from different musicals and show tune production numbers. The competition was filled with many talented students, and it was really fun to see theater from different places in the county.”
With over 2,000 students competing in the competition from schools all around, the program won the Ovation Award, and the Judges Choice Award was given to senior Paislee Estrada and senior Sophia Lewis. Additionally, junior Joseph Morgan won fourth place in the Monologue category. Even more impressively, the students were some of the few from a public school and not from a performing arts school.
“This was a giant accomplishment and I was so shocked and ecstatic when our school name was announced to receive the award,” Estrada said. “Sophia and I won a judges choice award for student directing and I had no clue that that was going to happen. I was overjoyed, shocked and even tearing up trying to process all that was going on.”
While at the competition, the theater program also got the opportunity to attend classes to learn more about the performing arts from famous broadway stars, teachers and others in the industry. One student, Riley Hutson, was able to take a Master Class from Broadway actor Derek Klena.
“Honestly I feel so glad about the outcome, it was our first year there and had no idea what to expect,” junior Marko Karovic said. “Some of my favorite moments from the competition was when I took a stage combat class because I learned so much from it and it was so enjoyable.”
The group rehearsed rigorously for the competition, forming close bonds during their three to sometimes five hour practice sessions.
“We’re such a tight knit family,” Estrada said. “We all have such a drive and strong passion for art, and I think having that interest allows us to bond and work together towards something we love. Everyone is so kind, and I could not have asked to work with a better team.”
