MIA’s Thespian Troupe 8628 recently traveled to Nova Southeastern University to compete in the annual district competitions. The troupe departed from Marco Island Academy at 5:50 a.m. and traveled to the other coast, arriving at Nova Southeastern University at 8:00 a.m. Before competing, the troupe took time to practice and perfect its individual pieces. It was a long day, but a very rewarding one.
At districts, there are many categories in which to compete. In the performance-based categories, there is acting (monologue, contrasting monologues, two-person scene, ensemble), musical theatre performance (solo, duet, ensemble), and musical theatre dance (solo, duet, ensemble).
In the technical theatre and writing section, there is costume construction, costume design, lighting design, makeup design, playwriting, scenic design, prop construction, short film, sound design, stage management, and theatre marketing.
There were twelve performances in the performance-based categories. This included Sammy Zocco and Joaquin Perez performing in a two-person scene, receiving a superior (perfect), and the Critics’ Choice, in which they got to perform in the closing ceremonies. Sammy Zocco expressed, “Districts were so much fun and so exciting. It was such a privilege to see all the other one-acts and to perform on the main stage.”
Joaquin Perez also performed a contrasting monologue and directed his own scene. Receiving an excellent in the contrasting monologue and a superior in the student-directed scene. Colin Hinton and Ian Zarate performed a two-person scene as well, receiving a superior. Colin Hinton also performed a contrasting monologue, receiving an excellent.
Lukas Beal and Luke Tirrell performed a two-person scene and received a superior as well. Madisyn Steiner performed a musical solo, receiving a superior. Kai Samuel also performed a musical solo and received an excellent. Furthermore, Ari Kuperman directed his own scene and was awarded a superior.
Mr. Dayett’s block four class also got the chance to perform a pantomime and was awarded with an excellent. Mr. Dayett said, “I am so proud of my whole class for their hard work and participation.” This opportunity provided those who never considered theatre with a newfound interest.
In the technical theatre and writing section, there were five participants from the troupe. This included Kyleigh Hauter, who presented her own costume design and was awarded a superior (a perfect score) as well as a critic’s choice honorable mention. Grace Elliott presented her own costume design, receiving an excellent. Dakota Tenney also entered the costume category but did costume construction instead; she got an excellent. Sarah Bergman presented her own makeup design and was awarded an excellent as well.
This was one of the most successful years for Troupe 8628, and they hope to carry that to the states that will take place in mid-March.
