Every year the spotlight falls on the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools drama departments participating in a countywide awards program known as THETA, which is similar to the Tony Awards. Each year the schools vote together on which performances they liked best and which shows deserve recognition.
The Drama Department has performed four shows total this season that have been nominated: the one acts, “Desdemona in the Afterlife” and “The Taming Of The Shrew;” the fall play “The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Abridged,” and the musical “Anastasia.”
This competition between drama departments is all about supporting the other schools and their production.
“I saw Rock of Ages and I thought it was genuinely something special to see. There was so much love for one another in the cast and there was a lot of love and appreciation for each other between ensemble and leads,” Junior Chadwick Holmes said.
“Little Shop of Horrors was astonishing. Its production value was top notch. Its actors were incredible, and gave very energetic and lively performances that I think any actor and audience member can be impressed by. Its songs were also very good, and were sung exceptionally. Atkins has some truly incredible talents.” Senior Ian Rushing said.
“Little Shop of Horrors at Atkins, the set was amazing. I loved how Audrey II evolved throughout the play and it looked really cool.” Sophomore Liam Gerwog-Dively said.
Getting to interact with rivals from other schools is what made the competition really unique.
“Being able to interact with my friends from other schools was amazing. Even though some were my competition, it didn’t feel that way. It was very friendly and respectful, like we all wanted each other to succeed.” Rushing said.
The awards were given out on June 1, at Atkins High School where the winners were chosen.
West won awards for Best Actress in a one act, Best Actor in a one act, Best Actress in a Full Length and best set design.
