Nice Things I Said About People...

In case you missed the Awards Ceremony, here are some nice things I said about this year's Theatre Award recipients:

Today the Theatre Department is honoring four outstanding students who have demonstrated not only a determined attitude and dedication to the department over the past four years, but also a commitment and unforced talent toward the art form of Theatre.

The Melissa J. Rubin Award for Outstanding Contribution to the art of Theatre, goes to two students this year.

The first honour, and I’ve spelled that honour for her family from across the pond, goes to a student who has been in 14 productions over the past 4 years and, in addition, has taken the photos for every production in the past few. In those fourteen shows over the past four years, I have seen monumental growth as both a young woman and a young artist. Emerging from the chorus of CHESS to roles such as Nurse Rached in CUCKOO’S NEST and Violet Venable in SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, Phoebe has proven herself to be the standard that other actors look up to. At the pre-show meeting before our last production, it was not surprising to hear that Phoebe’s co-star thanked her. Not for anything she specifically did to help this actor, but because of what this younger actor learned from simply watching and working with Phoebe. In addition, her fun loving personality and constant willingness to take risks and look foolish (and we don’t have nearly enough time to list all of those,) have made for a director’s dream. I only see great things for you next year at the Julliard School, hello! Our first Melissa J. Rubin Award goes to Phoebe Dunn.

The next recipient of the Melissa J. Rubin Award goes to a student who I still don’t know how to spell her name in programs or on, lets say, awards plaques. Does it have an “I” or not? Regardless… she has been in 10 shows over the past four years; and if you look at her characters (Little Sally, Little Red, Young Florence, Youth) you might think she had been type cast. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Although these titles imply small stature (which might be true) they demanded power. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I encountered such a powerful personality, voice, and talent in such a compact package. Her comedic instinct is only matched by her enthusiasm for the work. In addition, she gives one heck of a hug. I only hope that she continues to explore her talent at Brown next year. The second Melissa J. Rubin Award goes to Elsa/Elsia Obus.

This is the first year that the Theatre Company has given an Award for Outstanding Contribution to Playwriting and Directing.

The first student to ever receive this award is certainly an original. During tech rehearsals this week another student made the revelation that P.J. doesn’t write “SpringFest” shows. I couldn’t agree more. In the past three years, his plays The Herald, The Trial of William Shakespeare, and Phantom Limb (which you can see next Wed. night) have stood on their own. Taking on issues such as the responsibility of public servants, anti-Semitism in the 17th Century, and the pressures of regal figure-heads, P.J.’s writing has demonstrated an understanding and level surpassing his peers. So it is not surprising to find out that P.J. is a multiple Golden Key Award winner or that he is going to Purchase - one of the most prestigious dramatic writing programs in the country. And so the fist ever Theatre Company Award to Playwriting and Directing goes to P.J. Grisar.

My last award today is the Theatre Company Award for Outstanding Contribution in Technical Theatre.

For the past year two words have become synonymous with disaster in the theatre. Dan Stern. I joke… but he is infamous for being the only student ever “fired” from a show! We still laugh about it. What I love about Dan, however, is that something still brought him back to the theatre. You don’t do theatre because you love it, you do it because you have to. Without it, you’re lost.

Whilst talking to his prom date on Tuesday night during Peter and the Wolf, Sally was surprised to see her date. She even went as far as to tell him to go home because he was quote ‘always here.” She was right. Unlike most students, Dan has had a seven day school week 8 out of the 10 months this year. Dan’s dedication is quite remarkable, and every member of the Theatre Co. owes him a great dept of gratitude. I think I speak for Angrette, Matt, Marco Jo, Linda, Howard, and of course me, when I say “There’s no way it would have been possible without you.” And that is why the Theatre Company Award for Technical Theatre goes to Dan Stern.

On a personal note…I would like to thank every student over the past four years who have contributed to the success of the HGHS Theatre Dept. (you know who you are and I love you.)

Lastly, I like to close with a quote from Constantin Stanlislavski who said that “dramatic art, like all other arts which hold a mirror up to life requires talent, study, and self-perfection.” Whether you were in Zombie Prom, or are getting ready for SpringFest next week… you have proven your talent and your want to study. So… now I wish you all the best on your paths to self-perfection.