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Author: Cynthia Harper

ACTFest 2016-2017

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in ACTFest.

The curtain’s come down on ACTFest ’17 ,another Alabama Community Festival and this year’s event was sensational! Seven companies from around our state showcased the best of their work in a celebration of community theatre. Thanks to all who made this event so special and successful. At the top of the list are Kristy Meanor, Carol Heier, Tom Salter and all their wonderful volunteers at the Wetumpka Depot Theatre for hosting us. Your food and beverages and general wonderful Southern Hospitality were so appreciated. Terry Kelly assisted as Festival Vice Chair. Mike Gerrells served admirably as stage manager while Sharon Burum from Oklahoma led us through the festival process.

Our kind, articulate and insightful adjudicators: Kimberly Frick Welker, Alan Litsey, and Tom Booth provided excellent feedback to all the productions. But it was our participating companies that made this festival one of the strongest Alabama’s had in years. Thank you to all who took part. ACT hopes it was a memorable and meaningful experience for each of you!

Now on to the awards…

Best In Show 

The Glass Menagerie (Wetumpka Depot Theatre)

Rabbit Hole (Leeds Theatre and Arts Center)

Alternate: Steel Magnolias (South City Theatre)

One Act Awards:

Best Director: Tom Salter, Glass Menagerie
Best Actress: Kristy Meanor, Glass Menagerie
Best Actor: Stephen Dubberly, Glass Menagerie
Best Supporting Actress: Mary Page-Lyons, Rabbit Hole
Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Sims, Glass Menagerie
Best Set: Rabbit Hole
Best Costumes: Rabbit Hole

Outstanding Achievement in Acting:
Keith McDow and Amber Weakley from The Field (War Time), Auburn Area Community Theatre
Corey Kirby from Hiram: Becoming Hank, Pell City Players

Outstanding Musical Performance:
Lacindra McGowan and Tania Curry, Becoming Hank, Pell City Players
Elizabeth Bowles, The Glass Menagerie, Wetumpka Depot Players

Outstanding Lighting Design:
Hannah Meherg, The Glass Menagerie, Wetumpka Depot Players

Outstanding Creativity in Set Design:
The Dixie Swim Club, Millbrook Community Players

The Spirit of the Road Award (given by the backstage crew to the company that has the best attitude during their rehearsal)
Steel Magnolias (South City Theatre)

Outstanding Ensemble:
Curious Savage, Prattville, Way Off Broadway Theatre
Hiram: Becoming Hank, Pell City Players
Steel Magnolias: South City Theatre

ACT Scholarships Recipients 2018

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in Scholarship.

Acting/Musical Theatre

  • Rebekah Pierce, Grissom High School, Sponsor: Lydia Palmes (Technical Theatre) – attending Jacksonville State University
  • Molly Culp, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps (Acting/Musical Theatre) – attending University of Montevallo
  • Trinity Ross, Booker T Washington High School, Sponsor: Heather Leyde (Acting/Musical Theatre) – attending University of Alabama

And finally, named in honor of our the Alabama Conference of Theatre’s former Executive Director: The Patricia Putman Performing Scholarship:

  • Sadie Farmer, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean (Acting/Musical Theatre) – attending University of Alabama at Birmingham

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Madison Mickle of Corner High School, Sponsor: Megan Garner
  • Second Alternate: Makinley Patterson of Florence High School, Sponsor: Darren J. Butler
  • Third Alternate: Robert Armstrong of Wetumpka High School, Sponsor: Jeff Glass

Technical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Kelsey Dunahoo of Saint James School, Sponsor: Lonny Harrison
  • Second Alternate: Marissa Councill of Lee High School, Sponsor: Bryan Comer
  • Third Alternate: Lily Farnworth of Prattville High School, Sponsor: Blair Dyson

ACT Scholarship Recipients 2019

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in Scholarship.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • Dominique Garcie, Southside High School, Sponsor: Jason Bozman (Acting/Musical Theatre) – Patricia Putnam Performing Scholarship
  • David Beshirs, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps (Musical Theatre)
  • Abagail Sledd, Grissom High School, Sponsor: Tee Guillin (Acting/Musical Theatre)

Technical Theatre:

  • Adam Stremmel, Donohoo School, Sponsor: Ashley Burrage (Technical Theatre)

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Anna Grace Haley, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sponsor: Sara-Margaret Cates
  • Second Alternate: Harry Meyer, Grissom High School, Sponsor: Tee Quillin
  • Third Alternate: Duncan Smith, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps

Technical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Sarah Robbins, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean
  • Second Alternate: Karen Daniel, Pleasant Grove High School, Sponsor: Kayte Clowdus
  • Third Alternate: Addie Zaner, Jacksonville High School, Sponsor: Lisa Nixon

ACT Scholarship Recipients 2020

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in Scholarship.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • Michael McMullen, Huntsville High School, Sponsor: Meghan Phelps (Musical Theatre) – Patricia Putman Performing Scholarship
  • Jazmin Miller, Pinson Valley High School, Sponsor: John Bailey (Acting/Musical Theatre)
  • Kate Simechak, Carroll High School, Spark Theatre Company (Acting/Musical Theatre)

Technical Theatre:

  • Olivia Creager, Shades Valley High School, Sponsor: Carl Dean (Technical Theatre)

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order to offer it to them.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Mary Fugate, Huntsville High School Sponsor: Meghan Phelps

Second Alternate: Olivia Lee, Spanish Fort High School, Sponsor: Jessica Jackson

ACT Scholarship Recipients 2021

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in Scholarship.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • Celia Knox, Mary G Montgomery High School, Sponsor: Mollie Tice – Patricia Putnam Performing Scholarship (Musical Theatre)
  • Joe Cofield, Sparkman High School, Sponsor: Cody Carlton – (Acting/Musical Theatre)
  • Hayden Salter, UMS Wright High School, Sponsor: Margaret Delaney (Musical Theatre)

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Samantha Sledd, Virgil Grissom High School, Sponsor: Olivia Skillern
  • Second Alternate: Andrea D’Amico, Bob Jones High School, Sponsor: Mary Davis
  • Third Alternate: Raven Heath, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean

ACT Scholarship Recipients 2022

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in Scholarship.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • Aurkheem Jolley, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean -Musical Theatre) – Patricia Putnam Performing Scholarship
  • Savannah Crawford, Daphne High School, Sponsor: Griffin Hood (Musical Theatre)
  • Anna Bella Foster, Mountain Brook High School, Sponsor: Jane Ganey (Musical Theatre)

Technical Theatre:

  • Ryder Dean, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean (Technical Theatre)

The following are alternates.  In the event that our scholarship winners are not able to accept the scholarship, we will contact these candidates in order.

Acting/Musical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Isabelle Davis, Daphne High School, Sponsor: Griffin Hood
  • Second Alternate: Lily Cameron, Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance, Sponsor: Carl Dean
  • Third Alternate: Makenzie Nero, Spanish Fort High School, Sponsor: Mollie Betsch

Technical Theatre:

  • First Alternate: Jungi (Birdie) Sun, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sponsor: Sara Margaret Cates

ACTFest 2022-2023

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in ACTFest.

Hosted by Theatre Tuscaloosa, Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa November 4-6, 2022

Host Theatre Tuscaloosa was led by Adam Miller and Tina Turley, Wheeler Kincaid Technical Director. Events were coordinated by Cindy Harper, Executive Director, Casey Kauffman, Chair, Community Theatre, Lisa Ponder, Vice Chair, Community Theatre and DEI Chair, Mark Moore.  Adjudicators were  Lynn Harper Nelson (Tupelo), Quinton Cockrell (Troy( and Michael Cochran (Paducah, KY).  AACT Festival Commissioner was Susan Alston (Texas).

Workshops included: Introducing New Narratives, Allison Upshaw, PhD, Design and the Budget, Matt Stratton; and IPA: The ABS’s of Professional Dialects, Jamie Shannon Ferguson Ertle.

Awards:

Best of Show 

Wetumpka Depot Players’ “A Storm Came Up”

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s “Launch Day”

Alternate Show 

Self Express Productions “Fools”

One Act Awards:

Best Actor in a Lead Performance

Jai LePrinse, for Anthony in “I and You”, Spark Theatre Company

Matthew Mitchell as Mases Burkes in “A Storm Came Up”, Wetumpka Depot Players 

Outstanding Achievement in Directing

Kristy Meanor, A Storm Came Up, Wetumpka Depot Players

Excellence Achievement in Directing

Caleb Brooks, I and You, Spark Theatre Company

Outstanding Achievement in Acting

Louise “Weezie” Brand as Caroline in “I and You” Spark Theatre Company

Kazarious Brown as Brylo in “Launch Day” Theatre Tuscaloosa

Chris Champion as Dr Zubritsky in “Fools” Self Express Productions

Mileidy Crespo-Jones as Tax in “Launch Day” Theatre Tuscaloosa

Tony Davison as Rufus Dixon in “A Storm Came Up” Wetumpka Depot Players

Harvey Lipscomb as Rogers Canfireld in “Holy Ghosts” Actor’s Charitable Theatre

Scott Rouse as Coach Halliday in “A Storm Camp Up” Wetumpka Depot Players

Jody Tartt as Lorena Cosbur, in “Holy Ghosts, Actor’s Charitable Theatre

Rhonda Vogt as Yenchna in “Fools” Self Express Productions

Outstanding Achievement in Set Design

A Storm Came Up, Wetumpka Depot Players

Outstanding Achievement in Prop Design

Launch Day, Theatre Tuscaloosa

Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design

A Storm Came Up, Wetumpka Depot Players

Adjudicator’s Choice: Best Crew

I and You, Spark Theater Company

Adjudicator’s Choice: Most Memorable Moment

Ending Tableau, Holy Ghosts, Actor’s Charitable Theatre

Individual Event Winners:

AwardFirst NameLast NameTheatre  Event
GoldCodySealsSelf Express ProductionsSolo Acting
GoldJosephCoxSelf Express ProductionsGroup Musical Theatre
GoldNatalieRobertsonSelf Express ProductionsGroup Musical Theatre
GoldRhondaVogtSelf Express ProductionsSolo Musical Theatre
GoldAllySkeltonActor’s Charitable TheatreSolo Musical Theatre
SilverJoeyLayActor’s Charitable TheatreSolo Musical Theatre
BronzeBrandyJohnsonTheatre TuscaloosaSolo Musical Theatre
Honorable MentionJosephCoxSelf Express ProductionsSolo Musical Theatre
Honorable MentionNatalieRobertsonSelf Express ProductionsSolo Musical Theatre

Theatre for Youth 2019

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The ACT Theatre for Youth Division held Middle/Elementary School festival on March 30, 2019 at Saint James School, Montgomery and on April 13, 2019 at Collins Intermediate School, Scottsboro.  Coordinating events were Sue Ellen Gerrells, Festival Director, Dawn Gerrells, Festival Assistant, Cindy Harper, Executive Director, Stacey Chancellor, Chair, Theatre for Youth, Melissa Strickland, Vice Chair Theatre for Youth, Lonny Harrison at Saint James School and Matt Brewer at Collins Intermediate School. 

Participating organizations included: Alabama Waldorf School, Albertville City Schools, Centre Mddle School CharACTers Children’s Theatre, Cloverdale Playhouse, Collins Intermediate School, Decatur Middle School, Florence Academy of Fine Arts, Fort Pain Middle School, Pell City School, Pleasant Grove High School, Jacksonville High School, Lee Scott Academy, Phillips Preparatory School, Red Door Theatre, Springwood School, UMS Wright Preparatory School. Judges for the events included Brady Walker, Kelly Brooke Brown, Kim Mason, Tony Davison, Chris Kelly, LaBrandon Tyre.

All Star Awards Scottsboro:

Solo Acting Novice

3rd Place –   Audrey Stokes, Collins Intermediate School

2nd Place –  Sophia Taylor, Collins Intermediate School

1st Place –  Ally Cramer, Collins Intermediate School

Solo Acting Varsity

3rd Place –  Xander Argiro, Collins Intermediate School

2nd Place –  Cecilia Pleva, Albertville School

1st Place –   Griffin Simmons, Albertville School

Duet Acting Novice

3rd Place –  Bailey Hixson & Laila King, Collins Intermediate School

2nd Place –  Sawyer McWilliams & Jake More, Collins Intermediate School

1st Place –  Jacklyn Smith & Lilyan Hardman, Collins Intermediate School

Duet Acting Varsity

3rd Place –  Ian and Eli Golson, Pirate Players

2nd Place –  Tyler Coley & Paul Bennet Centre Middle School

1st Place –  Dylan Chastain & Maggie Whitaker, Collins Intermediate School

Musical Theatre Novice

3rd Place –  Sawyer McWilliams, Collins Intermediate School

2nd Place –  Ally Sullivan, Pirate Players

1st Place – Corbin Parker, Collins Intermediate School

Musical Theatre Varsity

3rd Place –  Jadon Davis, CharACTers Children’s Theatre

2nd Place –  Cecilia Pleva, Albertville School

1st Place –  Ramsey Whitney, CharACTers Children’s Theatre

All Star Cast Montgomery:

Solo Acting Novice Winners

1st place – Corey Jackson, MacMillan International Baccalaureate Academy

2nd place- Faith Mahone, MacMillan International Baccalaureate Academy

3rd place – Julian Straughn, MacMillan International Baccalaureate Academy

Honorable Mention- Laura Lee Putnam, Albertville Junior High School

Solo Acting-Varsity Winners

1st place- Charlie Key, Springwood School

2nd Place – Jay Collins, Lee Scott

3rd place – Kensey LcCroix, Phillips Preparatory School

Duet Acting-Varsity-Winners

1st place — Jay Collins and Campbell Thomas, Lee Schoot

2nd place — Cate Courtney and Olivia Rocconi, UMS Wright

3rd place — Ryan Walton and Ridge Tanner, UMS Wrights

Honorable Mention — Jason Grinstead and Landon Perdue, Cloverdale Playhouse

Musical Theatre-Novice- Winners

1st place — Audrey Edwards, UMS Wright

2nd place — Laure Lee Putman, Red Door Theatre

3rd place — Killian Delaney, UMS Wright

Musical Theatre-Varsity-winners

1st place: Kensey LaCroix, Phillips Preparatory

2nd place: Griffin Simmons, Albertville Junior High

3rd place: Charlie Key, Springwood School

Honorable Mention: Cecilia Pleva, Albertville Junior High

Theatre for Youth 2020

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in TFY.

The ACT Theatre for Youth Division scheduled two festivals for the year.  The first was scheduled March 14, 2020 at Collins Intermediate School in Scottsboro, AL.  The second was to be at Saint James School in Montgomery on April 4, 2020.  Both were canceled due to COVID restrictions.

Theatre for Youth 2021

Written by Cynthia Harper on . Posted in TFY.

The ACT Theatre for Youth Division held a virtual festival in 2021.If was coordinated by Cindy Harper, Executive Director, Melissa Strickland, Chair, Theatre for Youth, Ashley Bishop, Vice Chair, Theatre for Youth. Participating organizations included: Trace Crossings Elementary (Hoover), UMS-Wright Preparatory School (Mobile) Rocky Ridge Elementary School (Hoover) Green Valley Elementary School (Hoover), Discovery Middle School (Huntsville), Red Door Theatre and Bumpus Middle School (Hoover). About 120 students participated.

Judges for the events included Ania Briggs, Holly Aldridge, Vivienne Atkins, Catherine Barlow, Delle Kincaid, Kelleybrooke Brown, B Dyson, Clay Boyce, Kim Mason, Olivia Dodd, Tammy Fine, David Shellnut, M Adams, Melva Jackson, Sara Margaret Cates, Lani Dill, Jesse Bates, Margaret Delaney, Cathrine Barlow, Andrew Duxbury, Janice Glore, and Kelly Deiss

All students received participation certificates and feedback from the judges on their submitted videos.