Visual and Performing Arts
June is historically the month that we wrap things up here in the A-wing. Award programs are held and the last few performances take place, leading up to the band and chorale’s performances at graduation. This year is different. This year June is going to be a busy month for many of us in the Arts wing. Many groups and individuals were honored in May.
Freddy Awards
Curtains received 12 Freddy nominations and the cast had the opportunity to perform “Show People” at the Freddy telecast. The Freddy awards took place on Thursday, May 23. Congratulations to the individuals and groups who received nominations for their hard work.
Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra, Outstanding Use of Scenery, Outstanding Use of Costumes, Outstanding Use of Lighting, Outstanding Small Ensemble Performance: Olivia Behr, Matthew Melchior, Noah Erlemann and Robert Moore
Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Mackenzie Lynch
Outstanding Chorus, Vic Kumma Award for Outstanding Solo Vocal Performance: Matthew Melchior
Outstanding Production Number: “Show People”
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Olivia Behr
Outstanding Overall Production
Shakespeare Competition
In early May, a number of students traveled to King’s College in Wilkes-Barre to compete in the annual Maffei Family High School Shakespeare Competition. The top three finishers in each category won cash prizes and a trophy. Please congratulate the following students on their achievements at the competition:
| Students | Category Placement | Shakespeare play / character |
|---|---|---|
| Aubree Williams and Noah Erlemann | 1st place in the Scene Competition | A Midsummer Night's Dream / Bottom and Titania |
| Olivia Behr and Daniel Stewart | 2nd place in the Scene Competition | The Taming of the Shrew / Petruchio and Katharina |
| Olivia Behr | 1st place in the Monologue Competition | Romeo and Juliet / Juliet |
| Mackenzie Lynch | 2nd place in the Monologue Competition | Much Ado About Nothing / Beatrice |
| Nick Hausman | 3rd place in the Monologue Competition | A Midsummer Night's Dream / Bottom |
“Parkland’s Got Talent winners: left, Emily Bachl (junior division); right, Nicholas Hausman (senior division)”
Festival of the Arts
After a year when the Parkland Festival of the Arts was forced inside because of monsoon-like weather, the 2019 edition was blessed with a perfect day and the crowds definitely came out in droves. The festival was busy from the opening sounds of the PHS Jazz Band until the final song by a costumed character. Plans are already in place for next year’s festival.
Congratulations to the 2019 winners of Parkland’s Got Talent: Emily Bachl (Junior Division) and Nicholas Hausman (Senior Division).
Chorale Auditions
Auditions for the 2019-20 Parkland Chorale will take place in early June. Exact dates and times will be posted by the Chorus room.
Fall Play Auditions
Next year’s Fall Play, Museum, will also hold auditions during June. A cast of between 15 and 18 will be required and audition packets will be available June 10. Scripts are already available to sign out from Mr. Stutz’s office. This will be the first time that a full-scale play will be mounted in the black box theater. Look for more information when we return in the fall.
Indoor Colorguard
The Indoor Colorguard had a fantastic year and will be looking for new members to compete next school year. They wrapped up the year by traveling to Wildwood, New Jersey and competing in the TIA Atlantic Coast Championships alongside the Indoor Percussion group.
Dance Team
The Parkland Varsity Dance team for 2019-2020 has been selected and they will begin their year with a two-week intensive starting on August 12. The two-week training will include master classes and guest teaching artists.
International Thespian Festival
Just when you thought we were finished for the year….
The cast and crew of 26 Pebbles is preparing the play and the set to travel to Lincoln, Nebraska as one of eleven schools invited to perform at the International Thespian Festival from June 24-29. It is a huge honor and a tremendous undertaking. We are still raising money for the trip and any donations would be greatly appreciated. To donate to this project please contact the Parkland Arts Office at 610-351-5667 or the Parkland Education Foundation. Donations are tax deductible and donations of $500 or more receive endorsements on the show shirts.
We welcome you to come out to our “Dine and Donate” event being held all day on June 4 at the Alburtis Tavern. Please present one of our fundraising flyers, and 10% of the food sales will be donated to the theatre troupe to support their fundraising efforts for their trip to Nebraska.
The A-wing will then take a deep breath and regroup itself for another incredibly active and successful school year. From Mr. Stutz, Mrs. Halbert, and Mr. Joella - have a safe and restful summer.
