FALL 2012
Christ the King Celebration Sunday, November 18 • 3:30pm
Christmas at Concordia November 30 & December 1 • 7:30pm
12800 North Lake Shore Drive
888–628–9472 www.cuw.edu
If you’re in an accident, you need someone working behind the scenes for you.
Voted Best by the Public Rated Best by Judges and Lawyers for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards
We Have Collected $100s of Millions for Over 15,000 Satisfied Clients Service and Results. Just a Phone Call or Click Away:
800.800.5678 | hupy.com
{contents} HIGH SCHOOL Volume 3, Issue 1 Fall 2012
{staff} Steve Marcus
President/Publisher
Matt Thiele
Vice President
Tracy Frank
Director of Operations
SEE A SHOW
High School Event Listings pg. 6
Abbey Moore
Graphic Designer/Social Media
Caitlin Fuller
Lead Program Designer
Sarah Sallmann
HOORAY FOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALS! pg. 12
Lead Graphic Designer
George Cwiklinski
Production Specialist
Eric Taylor
Production Assistant
Karin Marcus
Accounting
Kelly Locke
Accounting Assistant
Chris Stravinski Sharrow Managing Editor
Myrna Petlicki
Managing Editor -Chicago Edition
Sherry Brisch Barbara Kluth Michelle Vandenhouten
Maggie Flath Kaitlyn Schmitz
Milwaukee Advertising Sales
Editorial/Website Interns Published by Marcus Promotions, Inc. The content of any article in this publication is based solely on the opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Marcus Promotions, Inc., Footlights, or its staff. The center program content is at the sole discretion of the performing arts group. Any errors, omissions, or inconsistencies are their responsibility. Inquiries or comments should be directed accordingly.
Will M. McAuliffe
Chicago Advertising Sales
Courtney Neckar Madison Advertising Sales Gary Wong Site Services
MADISON • CHICAGO • MILWAUKEE 4
888-376-3700 • fax 262-782-9797
Get Personal! We invite you to see how you fit in at Mount Mary College. Schedule your customized individual campus visit today or attend one of our upcoming group visit events to learn about: • Academic scholarships up to $10,500 per year • 30+ majors, including art, art therapy, fashion, interior design and graphic design • Personal attention from professors who challenge you to be your best Schedule your campus visit online at www.mtmary.edu/visit or by calling 414-256-1219.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
High School Event Listings Scan this QR code with your smart phone or go to www.Footlights.com and find the events page.
LEND ME A TENOR Shorewood High School In 1934, the renowned tenor Tito Merelli, is scheduled to sing at the Cleveland Grand Opera. It doesn’t happen. Chaos ensues. Hilarity abounds!
November 1-4, 2012 414-963-6940
NOISES OFF Nicolet High School One of the great plays of the theatre, this Oscar Wilde classic is full of wit and clever dialogue. A satire on Victorian England full of romance, false identity, and a love of muffins, this comedy has been delighting audiences since it premiered in 1895. November 2-10, 2012 414-351-8174 MARVIN’S ROOM Whitefish Bay High School A hilarious, wondrous account of one woman’s commitment to loving others first, even as she faces her own death.
6
See a Show
November 8-10, 2012 414-963-3928
Showtimes, links to buy tickets, and nearby restaurants are listed for every show. Plan your entire night on FOOTLIGHTS.COM. MISS SAIGON Pius XI High School Miss Saigon is an epic love story and a moving testament to the human spirit—a thrilling opening for our spectacular new performing arts center.
November 9-18, 2012 414-290-8151
ANNIE Brown Deer High School Little Orphan Annie was abandoned years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by Miss Hannigan. But, with the help of the other girls in the orphanage, she finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a wonderful group of servants.
November 13-18, 2012 414-371-7007
THREE ONE-ACT PLAYS Nicolet High School Three distinct comedies: “The Actor’s Nightmare,” by Christoper Durang, “The Romancers” by Edmond Rostand, and “Oh, What a Tangled Web” by John R. Carroll.
November 30 December 2, 2012 414-351-8174
Success in school, and in life.
At Sylvan, our highly personalized approach builds the skills, habits and attitudes your child needs to succeed in school and in life.
• • • •
Develops independent work habits Improves attitudes Motivates learning Provides feedback for parents and teachers
$50 OFF ASSESSMENT & 2 HOURS FREE (upon enrollment) Sylvan Learning of Brookfield
Sylvan Learning of Wales
262-796-0808
262-968-1800
15060 W. Greenfield Ave. Brookfield, WI 53005
323 North Wales Road Wales, WI 53183
www.SylvanLearning.com
www.SylvanLearning.com
Sylvan Learning of Kenosha 7863 Green Bay Road Kenosha, WI 53142
262-694-6286
www.SylvanLearning.com
READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, TEST PREP, COLLEGE PREP AND MORE! Footlights Performing Arts Magazine
7
SEE A SHOW LESSONS AND CAROLS Pius XI High School A holiday tradition of scripture readings and carols by the Pius Choirs and Orchestra that is sure to bring all who attend the spirit of Christmas.
February 7-10, 2013 414-963-6940
GODSPELL Shorewood High School Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, and featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, “Godspell” boasts a string of well-loved songs, led by the international hit, “Day By Day.” “Godspell” is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a spiritualistic universal message of kindness, tolerance and love.
PLAYING WITH FIRE Pius XI High School A dying Victor Frankenstein has finally tracked down his Creature in the frozen tundra of the North Pole. It’s a gripping take on the Frankenstein myth.
A New Home
FOR STANDING OVATIONS The Frances Bedford Concert Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside
December 4, 2012 Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist 414-290-8151
February 7-17, 2013 414-290-8151
D iscover award-winning academic programs in art, music, and theatre arts at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Schedule a tour today and visit your new home for standing ovations uwp.edu Keyword: Admissions 262-595-2355
Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities
8
See a Show
A FARCE BY MICHAEL FRAYN Director and Scenic Designer Kenn Miller Costume Designer Kristina Van Slyke Lighting Designer Jessica Peck Hair Designer Erica Cartledge Technical Assistant Will Haglund Director’s Assistant Sarah Rosenthal* Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc. New York Noises Off
1
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E
Welcome to the 2012 – 2013 Theatre Season at Nicolet and our production of NOISES OFF. NOISES OFF is one of my favorite shows. Its fastpaced silliness is a great challenge for our actors and the scenery (as you will see) was certainly a challenge for our stage crew. Six weeks of preparation (rehearsal and technical work) has brought us to this moment. While this show is a lot of fun, it is also a lot of work. The fact that I have directed and designed this show twice before (1988 and 2003) doesn’t really make doing it much easier. NOISES OFF demands a dedicated cast and crew and we are lucky to have students who were up to the challenge. I am also grateful to the adults who assisted in the production of this show. We hope you enjoy our efforts. The rest of the season is also full of opportunities for our students. Our next production (already in rehearsal) features a lot of new talent. Three One-Act Plays: “The Actor’s Nightmare” by Christopher Durang—directed by Patti Zeimentz,“The Romancers” by Edmond Rostand—directed by Nancy Weiss-McQuide, and “Oh, What A Tangled Web” by John R. Carroll— directed by Elaine Parsons-Herro will be presented Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2 in our Studio Theatre. We are fortunate to have these directors working with our students. Our winter musical is JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Pam Kriger will be with us again to stage this spectacle. In spring we will be busy with THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST followed by “nor.mal—the musical”—Jennifer Tomlin’s directing debut. These plays offer excellent experiences for our students and a lot of variety for our audience. It looks like a fun season—we hope you will join us. Kenn Miller Director of Theatre Arts
2
Nicolet High School
CAST
in order of appearance
Dotty Otley........................................................................................Rachel Halstrom* Lloyd Dallas............................................................................................ Andrew Kuhn* Garry Lejeune...........................................................................................Steven Long* Brooke Ashton.....................................................................................Ella Dierberger* Poppy Norton-Taylor............................................................................ Audrey Simon Frederick Fellowes........................................................................ Connor Wahrman* Belinda Blair................................................................................................Sidney Wolf* Tim Allgood.................................................................................................Max Wilson* Selsdon Mowbray.................................................................................... Parker Vogg* *Member of the International Thespian Society— an honors organization in Theatre Arts PROGR A M
ACT ONE The living room of the Brents’ country home Wednesday afternoon. (Grand Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare, Monday, January 14) ~Fifteen Minute Intermission~ ACT ONE The living room of the Brents’ country home Wednesday afternoon. (Theatre Royale, Goole, Wednesday, February 13) ~Ten Minute Intermission~ ACT ONE The living room of the Brents’ country home Wednesday afternoon. (Municipal Theatre, Stockton on Tees, Saturday, April 6) The cast of NOISES OFF is performing a play called “Nothing On.” An extract from the program is included.
Noises Off
3
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F
Stage Manager..........................................................................................Emily Acker* Sound................................................................................................... Adrienne Evans* Lighting.................................................................................................... Jack Haglund* Backstage Coordinators...................................Jessica Holmes*, Carrie Trebian* Curtain............................................................................................Jake Zimmermann* Make-up Coordinator...............................................................Miriam Kleynerman Make-up Crew.............................................................................................. Rhea Stark, Sona Perlin, Maya Abu Ali House Manager................................................................................ Sarah Rosenthal* Set Construction...................................................................................Jack Haglund*, Jake Zimmermann*, Adrienne Evans*, Carrie Trebian*, Emily Acker*, Jessica Holmes*, Zach Pfannerstill, Shannon Robertson, Sona Perlin, Stella Kleynerman, Benji Cohn, Sophia Chavez, Sara Nocton, Ian Kontowicz, Joseph Sankey, James Watson, Alyssa Patton, Parker Vogg*, Sidney Wolf*, Sarah Rosenthal*, Elena Salvat, John Froh, Rheya Bradshaw, Rhea Stark, Maya Magana, Brandon Poll, Daniel O’Dwyer
4
Nicolet High School
PL AY PERSONALITIES
Emily Acker Stage Manager
Ella Dierberger as Brooke Ashton
Jack Haglund Lighting
Jessica Holmes Backstage Coordinator
Adrienne Evans Sound
Rachel Halstrom as Dotty Otley
Andrew Kuhn as Lloyd Dallas
Steven Long as Garry Lejeune
Noises Off
5
PL AY PERSONALITIES
Sarah Rosenthal Director’s Assistant
c o n t.
Audrey Simon as Poppy Norton-Taylor
Parker Vogg as Selsdon Mowbray
Max Wilson as Tim Allgood
6
Nicolet High School
Carrie Trebian Backstage Coordinator
Connor Wahrman as Frederick Fellowes
Sidney Wolf as Belinda Blair
Jake Zimmermann Curtain
F R I E N D S O F T H E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S AT N I C O L E T
BENEFACTOR Mario and Marcy Angeli Frankenthal Family Foundation Steve and Amy Dadmun Erik and Lisa Haglund Steve and Ianne Koritzinsky The Long/Reilly Family Patrick, Barbara, and Kira Patterson Bradley and Marilyn Shovers Heather Taylor-Vogg David and Paula Termuhlen Debra and Michael Watton & Family Lisa and Craig Zetley SUSTAINER David Caine Sue and Allen Carneol & Family Kim Haglund Joe and Raissa Hortsmeier Rick and Kathy Monroe Amy and Dan Newman Nevin and Margo Zimmermann PATRON Daniel and Swati Godse Agterberg Amy and Edward Blumenthal Howard and Debbie Callif Continence & Pelvic Wellness Clinic Marilyn and David Franklin Joseph Heur and Lisa Weber Todd and Mary Jo Heyen George and Sandy Kofman Felice and Bob Leib and Family Rodd and Andrea Schneider Mitch and Mary Sellers
Noises Off
7
F R I E N D S O F T H E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S AT N I C O L E T John & Susan Abram Dawn Anderson Raymond & Emily Ballecer Brian & Laurel Bear Thomas & Patricia Benson Jay & Michele Berman Patrick & Valerie Bieser Michael & Kathleen Brondino Joseph & Linda Cardinale Andrew & Catherine Carpenter Joseph & Nancy Carruth Ken & Susan Cecil Naseer & Farida Choudhry Thomas & Teri Cianciola Thomas & Catherine Cielak Robert & Kären Cohen Marc & Wendy Cohen David Cohen & Julie Turetsky B J & Elyse Cohn John & Lisa Conley Fred Ziegler & Melissa Cook James & Judith Cranberg David & Cheryl Cunningham Cindy Davis Julian & Ellen DeLia Robb & Patricia DeGraff Karl & Lisa Dickson Cindy Docalavich Mark & Connie Dow Ray & Patty Fedderly Douglas & Kristin Fellows Stephen Ferns & Lori Cipparone Chris & Mara Fox Greg & Barbara Froh Michael & Jennifer Gilbert Germaine Potter Robert Gribble Arnold & Diane Grossman James & Lori Grzybowski Peter Gurneau & Ann Miller-Gurneau Mark Halaska & Barbara Hufschmidt David & Elizabeth Hallerman Brad & Sheri Hampel Bob & Debra Hangsterfer Brian & Kathleen Hansen Troy Hatchett & Stacey Coleman Dan & Dana Heffez Anthony & Karen Holmes 8
Nicolet High School
c o n t.
Michael & Susan Hupfauf Mathias and Jackie Hussey Tom & Kathleen Johnson Steve & Carolyn Karl Joe & Debbie Kasle Martin & Debra Katz James & Mary Kaufmann Paul & Susan Keyser Brian Kinstler & Sandra Gines The Kopetsky Family Dmitry & Irina Kordysh Sydney & Rosilyn Koritzinsky David & Michelle Kornitz Robert Lane & Kristine Majdacic Clinton & Jane Laskowski Daniel & Alice Lawton Paul & Judy Levine Rachel Bernstein Chris & Eileen Manger Jonathan & Margie Margolies Christopher & Maryann Marowski Morgana Bowne Guillermo Martinez-Torres & Julie Brockhus Donald and Debra May Richard McManus & Mary Jane Whiting Jon Merline & Inger Wilkerson Mark Metcalf James & Karen Meyers Donald Miller & Jill Johnson-Miller Ronald & Susan Miller James and MaryBeth Mills David & Claudia Mitchell Tom Muenster & Karen Plunkett Eduardo Nardinelli & Maria Fernandes-Nardinelli James Nocton & Ellen Danto-Nocton Christine Murphy Brian & Susan O’Hare Dave & Jennifer Peltz Lee & Peg Pfannerstill Kenneth Pickney & Lora Hyler Alan & Cari Polan Michael & Kelly Press Thomas & Andrea Rabenn Pepi Randolph & Laura Arbuckle Rattner Julie Richter John & Jane Risberg
F R I E N D S O F T H E P E R F O R M I N G A R T S AT N I C O L E T John & Deborah Roesner Larry & Susan Rosengarten Dan & Julie Rosenfeld David & Kathleen Saggio Luise Fuzy & Paul Pedersen Molly Schneider Steve & Susan Schnoll James and Christine Scotton Mark & Sharon Shapiro Steve & Sonya Simon Daniel Sinykin & Jodi Habush-Sinykin Rebecca Slivinski Curt & Melissa Steinhaus Mark & Gina Teper John & Lesly Tianen Paul & Kathleen Trebian Hung & Khanh Vu
c o n t.
Scott & Laura Vuchetich Harlan & Joan Wahrman Harold & Susan Walker Owen & Karen Walsh Bob & Lisa Wathen Robert Welker & Virginia Linabury Richard & Reenie Wilkie Jeff & Martha Wilson Todd & Sarah Wilson Jay Winston & Miriam Moses-Winston Joel & Nancy Winston David & Jane Frank Kevin & Kristin Wright Steven & Loryn Zangwill Jon & Jill Zimmerman Daniel & Margaret Zitzer Ann Ziegler
N I C O L E T H I G H S C H O O L A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Nicolet High School Administration
Nicolet High School School Board
Dr. Rick Monroe District Administrator Mr. Greg DePue Principal Dr. Mora Snowden Associate Principal Dr. Mae Beard Associate Principal Lisa Elliot Director of Curriculum and Instruction John Reiels Director of Technology Ms. Jeanne Likes Director of Pupil Services Mr. Jeff Dellutri Business Administrator
Marilyn Franklin Morton Grodsky Joseph Kasle Libby Gutterman Ellen Redeker
Noises Off
9
Crown Hardware & Plumbing Supply, Inc. Give us a call or visit us today! Our phones are answered by people, not machines! 2016 N. MLKing Drive (3rd Street) Milwaukee, WI 53212 Phone: 414-374-5100 Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Crown Hardware & Plumbing Supply, Inc., Wisconsin’s favorite hardware and plumbing supply store since 1957. We feature plumbing supplies and hardware from the world’s top manufacturers: Kohler • Delta • Moen • Gerber • In-Sink-Erator • Mansfield Chicago Faucet • Sloan Valve • Toto Toilets • Kwikset Milwaukee Electric • Schlage • Grohe A.O. Smith, State, & Reliance Water Heaters You will find our expert service, quality products and low prices to be an unbeatable combination. Great knowledge and customer service distinguish us from our competition. We are a member of Do it Best Corp., a three billion dollar a year buying group; this allows us to offer wholesale prices.
“We Specialize in Hard to Find Parts” A Proud Sponsor of Nicolet Performing Arts 10
Nicolet High School
S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U
Poster Design/Program Layout.......................................Kristopher Miller Photography.................................................................................Tom Medved Ticket Coordinator......................................................................Ferne Hecker Foundation Liason....................................................................... Chris Macon Technical Assistance................................ Will Haglund, Alex Grzybowski
The Drama Mamas and Dads The Performing Arts Committee Nicolet’s Maintenance Staff Our Advertisers and Donors Area Merchants who display our posters News publications that feature our events Our supportive Administration and School Board
Zetley, Carneol & Stein, S.C. Certified Public Accountants 788 North Jefferson Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (414) 276-7471
Allan J. Carneol C.P.A.
Louis M. Stein, C.P.A.
Business and Income Tax Consultants
Noises Off
11
12
Nicolet High School
Noises Off
13
14
Nicolet High School
Why choose just drive? Our curriculum meets Department of Transportation standards Our curriculum was developed with today’s learners in mind PowerPoint and discussion based classes Convenient locations and class times Register for classes and behind the wheel lessons online (pay by credit card online or check by mail) Locally owned and operated 2010 Honda Civic student driver vehicle Please call or visit us online for more information today!!!
Please visit us online for more information today!!! www.justdriveWI.com Click on “Glendale” and scroll down for all the information Or call 414-962-2600
Noises Off
15
16
Nicolet High School
Nicolet High School PTSO (Parent-Teacher-Student Organization)
PROUDLY SUPPORTS
the NICOLET PERFORMING ARTS Join the PTSO as we benefit the students, teachers, and parents of Nicolet High School Sponsored activities include: Merit Awards Grad Grams Senior Breakfast Staff Appreciation Homecoming
Post Prom Cocoa & Cram Student Dances Spirit Award School Gifts
PTSO meeting schedule for the 201-2013 school year: Thursdays 9/20, 10/18, 11/15, 1/17, 2/21, 3/21, 4/18, 5/16 inRoom B113 at 6:00 p.m. http://www.nicolet.k12.wi.us/people/ptso.cfm
Noises Off
17
18
Nicolet High School
Noises Off
19
20
Nicolet High School
Showtimes, links to buy tickets, and nearby restaurants are listed for every show. Plan your entire night on FOOTLIGHTS.COM.
February 8-17, 2013 414-351-8174
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Nicolet High School With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this show is a delight for audiences of all ages. Follow the old testament tale of Joseph and his brothers in this theatrical spectacle featuring such memorable songs as “Any Dream Will Do,” “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph,” “Benjamin Calypso,” and, of course, “Joseph Megamix.” PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Dominican High School A disfigured musical genius, hidden away in the Paris Opera House, terrorizes the opera company for the unwitting benefit of a young protégée whom he trains and loves. This dark yet beautiful love story has thrilled audiences worldwide and it’s the longest running show in Broadway history.
February 15-24, 2013 dominicanhighschool.com SOUND OF MUSIC Whitefish Bay High School A high-spirited young woman leaves religious life to be governess for the seven children of a stern, widowed naval Captain. Her generous spirit gradually wins his heart and they marry. When the Nazi’s invade Austria and demand the Captain’s service, the family must escape over the mountains to Switzerland in a thrilling and inspirational finale.
March 1-9, 2013 414-963-3928
A G E S 4 -1 8
Footlights Performing Arts Magazine
9
SEE A SHOW GUYS AND DOLLS Cudahy High School In the 1940s, a group of small-time gamblers and the ladies in their lives hustle in New York City. “Guys and Dolls” features a classic score by Frank Loesser, including the songs “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” and “A Bushel and a Peck.” March 7-9, 2013 414-294-2733 PETER PAN Greendale High School GHS Theatre presents J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan” - one of the world’s most celebrated musicals. All the charm of the original, featuring those show-stopping songs, “Never Never Land,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “I’m Flying.”
March 9-16, 2013 414-423-0110, x4191 LEGALLY BLOND Pius XI High School College homecoming queen Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School! This award-winning Broadway sensation is sure to be the highlight of your year. April 12-21, 2013 414-290-8151
10
See a Show
Showtimes, links to buy tickets, and nearby restaurants are listed for every show. Plan your entire night on FOOTLIGHTS.COM.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Nicolet High School
April 26 May 4, 2013 414-351-8174
MARRIAGE Whitefish Bay High School
May 2-4, 2013 414-963-3928
One of the great plays of the theatre, this Oscar Wilde classic has been delighting audiences since it premiered in 1895.
Podkoliosin hires a matchmaker to find him a wife. When other suitors line up with him, the bickering and preening starts among the competitors.
SPRING AWAKENING Shorewood High School “Spring Awakening” is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s 1891 expressionist play about the trials and tribulations, and the exhilaration of the teen years. “Spring Awakening” celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget.
May 10-18, 2013 414-963-6940
MUSIC STARTS HERE! Your Hometown Music Store For Over 40 Years!
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
SALES
RENTALS
LESSONS
PRINT MUSIC
REPAIRS
414.963.1000 WWW.BRASSBELLMUSIC.COM 210 W SILVER SPRING DR MILWAUKEE, WI 53217
Footlights Performing Arts Magazine
11
{footnotes}
Hooray for high school musicals! National recognition program includes Overture Center in Madison High school musical theater programs are often the first rigorous performance outlet available to students interested in the performing arts. And up until recently, students that shine in these programs received no recognition. In 2009, the National High School Musical Theater Awards (NHSMTA) became the first program to present national awards for high school musical theater. The program recognizes and celebrates participation and achievement in the performing arts and connects promising high school performing artists with the professional theater industry. 12
Footnotes
NHSMTA presents the Jimmy Award, named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander, and given for the “Best Performance by an Actor” and “Best Performance by an Actress.” The winners are chosen from regional high school musical theater competitions that take place around the country each spring. In addition to competing for the Jimmy Award, participants are eligible for merit scholarships and professional opportunities. The contestants are selected from participating theaters that are members of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, Consortium of Eastern
Regional Theaters, Theatre Communications Group, or the Broadway League. Regional awards have been given in some areas since 1991, when Pittsburgh CLO created the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. Other theater companies across the country
The Wisconsin representative for the NHSMTA is the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison. The Overture Center has hosted their Tommy Awards, named for Madison-area native Tom Wopat of “Dukes of Hazzard” and Broadway fame, since 2009. The program began with 23 participating schools and one community theater.
2012 Outstanding Musical – “The Secret Garden” - Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (Photo by Mark Frohna)
followed their lead and worked in partnership with school systems in their area to recognize and honor high school students involved in musical theater. In 2010, over 54,000 students across the United States participated in such programs.
Approximately 350 students performed in the awards ceremony and over 90 awards were distributed. During the 2011-12 school year, 43 schools and one community theater participated. Approximately 460 students performed in the awards ceremony and over 100 awards were distributed. cont’d pg. 14 Footlights Performing Arts Magazine
13
How does the Tommy Awards program work? The Overture Center appoints a panel of educators, theater experts, and industry professionals to review the musicals of participating schools. These reviews, along with suggestions for improvement, are passed along to the students and teachers. Throughout the school year, Overture Center hosts Broadway workshops in acting, dance, music, and stage combat for students to attend. All high school students are welcome to attend these workshops regardless of their high school’s participation in the Tommy Awards program. Based on the review panel’s comments and tabulations, high school musical productions and individuals receive awards in specific categories at a ceremony held each year at the Overture Center in June. The ceremony also features performances and production numbers from award winners in several categories. Tim Sauers, Vice President of Programming and Community Engagement for the Overture Center, has seen first-hand how the Tommy Awards program has affected the high school students who participate. “One of the participating schools is
14
Footnotes
in a rural area and is a smaller school than some of the others. They’ve listened to the critiques we’ve sent them and we’ve seen the quality increase. The teachers have also seen an increase in students who want to participate in their high school’s musical production,” Sauers said. Any high school within an 80-mile radius of Madison can participate. Milwaukee area schools already participating in the Tommy Awards program within this 80-mile radius include Divine Savior Holy Angels, Wauwatosa East, Catholic Memorial, Waukesha West, Waukesha South, and New Berlin. Sauers said that the Overture Center and Marquette University High School “are talking” about their possible participation in the Tommy Awards program. The 2013 Tommy Awards Ceremony will be held at the Overture Center on Sunday, June 16. If you’re interested in finding out how to participate in the Tommy Awards, email Sauers at tsauers@overturecenter. com for more information. For more information about the National High School Musical Theater Awards, visit the NHSMTA website or email mail@nhsmta.com.
C O M I N G U P AT
FIRST STAGE Register now for Wi nter Academy JAN UARY 26 – MARCH 20, 2013
Locations in Milwaukee, Brookfield, Oconomowoc
NOVEM BER 23 – DECEM BER 30, 2012
at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets start at $14!
For registration and tickets, visit www.Fi rstStage.org.
50THANNIVERSARY!
CELEBRATE WITH US!
450+ events ALL YEAR LONG - visit yoa.uwm.edu ART & DESIGN • DANCE • FILM • MUSIC • THEATRE • INTER-ARTS • INOVA • FINE ARTS QUARTET