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WEST ORANGE, NJ - Students in Wendy Mapes Advanced Theatre class took home several awards from the State of New Jersey at the annual Thespian Festival Chapter Select Competition, held Dec. 7-8 at Robbinsville High School in Trenton.
The WOHS Thespian Society and theater teacher Wendy Mapes' Advanced Theatre class competed in a variety of theatrical events with other students from different parts of the state of NJ. Several WOHS students took home Superior medals which means they have the opportunity to compete at Nationals in June. In addition to competing in various events student also spent the weekend taking workshops in Improvisation, hip hop, acting as a business, stage combat, yoga for actors, playwriting, juggling and many more.
Seniors Matt Schwartz and Ashley Morales and junior Jillian Russell directed a 45-minute performance of John Cariani's play, "Almost, Maine," which was part of the Advanced Theatre curriculum. Students serve as directors, stage managers, and actors. The performance garnered a second-place in the State for the troupe.
"The three led the Advanced Theatre class to a real creative victory," said Mapes.
Senior Clare Cunningham won first place for best lead actress, Senior Rachel Favetta won first place for best-supporting actress and Senior Khalil Louigene won first place for best-supporting actor. Senior Ruth Donagher received a Governor's Award in Set Design for the All-State Play, Girls Like That.
Several other West Orange thespians were recognized:
Julian Adams, Israel Soto, Jr., Onye Bosco, Rachel Favetta, and Amina Anekwe, Superior Contrasting Monologue
Nyobi Boddy and Joe Florendo, Superior Solo Musical
Maria Nalieth and Olivia Ridley, Superior Musical Duet
Matt Schwartz, Justin Peters, Hailey Miller, Joe Nalieth - WOHS Drama Superior Short
"The Thespian Festival is an amazing opportunity for young performers to test their theatrical skills with feedback and scores from professionals in the theatre industry," Mapes explained.
"The various events are challenging and competitive but are done in a spirit of joy and fellowship that fosters bonds not only between West Orange students but between like-minded theatre students from all over the state. And, it’s a lot of fun."
"The group then performed the piece for an assembly at West Orange High School students before the holidays and will soon take their act on the road and perform for eighth-grade students at Roosevelt and Liberty Middle Schools," Mapes concluded.
See more photos here. (Photos courtesy of Pete Ficuciello.)
Cast and crew of Almost, Maine.
Matt Schwartz, Jillian Russell, and Ashley Morales.
Ruth Donagher, freshman Shane Donagher, and senior Melanie Maciejak.
Matt Schwartz, Justin Peters, Hailey Miller, Joe Nalieth - WOHS Drama Superior Short NJ Thespian Festival.
