James Clemens, Bob Jones actors compete at Trumbauer state festival
James Clemens Theatre and Bob Jones Patriot Players are competing this weekend in the Walter J. Trumbauer Drama Festival, the state meet for Alabama’s best actors and technicians.
The University of North Alabama is hosting the festival on Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.
Both Madison schools hope their one-act play will represent Alabama at the Southeastern Theatre Conference.
“At district competition, Bob Jones had 94 superior scores for individual entries, along with 17 excellent ratings for individuals,” drama teacher Mary Davis said. Drama teacher B. Dwayne Craft wrote their play, “The Perfect Ending.”
James Clemens’ one-act play, “Alabama Rain,” won “Best Ensemble,” “Best Technical Production” and “Best of Show” at District I competition.
James Clemens students who won superiors now are competing in Florence:
* Skyler Laney, Greg Buszka, Thomas Casez, Skyler Mittman — Solo pantomimes
* Emma Boudreaux and Tucker Pearson — Duet pantomime
* Amanda Williams and Julia Maynard — Dramatic reader’s theatre
* Skyler Laney, Rachel Clardy — Comedic reader’s theatre
* Taylor Benson, Erica Hadaway, Erin Phillips — Dramatic contemporary monologues
* Lexi Mecikalski, Skyler Mittman — Comedic contemporary monologues
* Kyle Mayfield, Spencer Shafer — Comedic contemporary duo scene
* Kyle Mayfield, Colton Pearson — Classical duo scene
* Bekah Dunn — Playwriting
* Amanda Jackson — Dramatic solo musical
* Amanda Jackson, Emma Boudreaux — Dramatic duet musical
James Clemens drama teacher Amy Patel said her students are excited about competing at Trumbauer with Bob Jones. “Bob Jones has a fantastic theatre program. That only makes us stronger and work harder.”
Bob Jones has “raised the bar for Madison. I see Bob Jones and James Clemens more as brothers than rivals,” Patel said. “Bob Jones is the big brother. James Clemens is the little brother. But we can go our own direction, too.”
“We’re both representing Madison,” James Clemens student Tucker Pearson said. Amanda Jackson hopes either Madison school wins because “then it stays in our town.” Megan Mayfield sees Trumbauer as “a big learning experience.”
Bronte Miller doesn’t feel that competitive with Bob Jones. “They’re friends.”
