James Clemens High School, Madison, News, Schools
Jets Theatre qualifies for state drama festival
James Clemens Theatre has qualified for the state-level Walter J. Trumbauer Drama Festival with their one-act play, “The Jungle Book,” along with 35 individual and ensemble performances. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Hard work and preparation led James Clemens Theatre to qualify for the state-level Walter J. Trumbauer Drama Festival.
The Jets’ production of “The Jungle Book” one-act play and 35 individual/ensemble performances in acting, music and technical theatre progressed to the state contest.
James Clemens students were excited with their accomplishment, director Amy Patel said. “It’s an honor to be passed on, especially because our district is very competitive. Only three one-acts are selected from our district, but six one-acts perform.”
“Many schools are consistently strong year after year. We always hope that we will move on to state so we can improve show elements that never quite reached the level of excellence we were striving for and also to introduce new ideas,” Patel said.
Jets actors qualifying for the “All-Star Cast” are senior Kyle McCormick (Bagheera) and juniors Andrew Pharo (Mowgli), Brittney Quach (Messua) and Josh Caudill (Shere Khan).
Clint Merritt works as technical director.
The Jets’ version of “The Jungle Book” is adapted from Kipling’s stories with familiar characaters. Their version focuses on Mowgli’s struggle in village life and incorporates the Indian culture’s language, clothing, music and dance.
James Clemens earned the unofficial ‘Best Load-in’ award from festival stage managers for efficient setup. “Clint and I love it, because it recognizes the students’ … problem-solving, courtesy and respect,” Patel said.
Their set includes a 20-foot tree weighing hundreds of pounds and designed realistically and as load-bearing. For costuming for animals, they determined “the essence of each animal — physical characteristics most important to communicate the character — and then determined materials,” Patel said.
James Clemens Theatre will reprise “The Jungle Book” in the school’s auditorium on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. Students will perform individual/ensemble acts at 6 p.m.
“We typically have a few hundred people in the audience for our one-acts. Our community has learned that, when they come to a James Clemens show, they’re going to be entertained and moved. We’re truly grateful for community support and work hard to make sure every show exceeds those expectations.”
In December, 84 James Clemens students will attend the state Trumbauer festival at the University of North Alabama.
