James Clemens Theatre claims awards at state Trumbauer festival

MADISON – Students in James Clemens Theatre recently demonstrated their theatrical talent at the state-level Walter Trumbauer Theatre Festival at Troy University on Dec. 1-3.

James Clemens presented its one-act play, “Shuddersome: Tales Of Poe,” for adjudication at the state contest. This play features four pieces by Edgar Allan Poe: “The Tell Tale Heart,” “The Oval Portrait,” “The Raven” and “The Masque of the Red Death.”

“Shuddersome” won “Best in Show” and “Best Ensemble.” Carly Parker received “Best Supporting Performer.”

“In our continued dedication to make theatre accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing, this production incorporated shadow interpreters with American Sign language on-stage for every character,” Director Amy Patel said.

Patel and Clint Merritt teach drama classes at James Clemens. Patel coordinates all on-stage acting, blocking and other responsibilities, while Merritt works with the ‘techies’ to handle all needs for set construction and portability, lighting and sound.

Also at Trumbauer, students can present solo performances or join fellow students in a dramatic, comedic and musical theatre presentation for judging. James Clemens students earned top places in this division:

* Duet Pantomime — Grace Hur and Alura Withrow, second place Varsity.

* Acting Dramatic before 1900 — Alex McDaniel, third place Novice; Elizabeth Swaine, second place; and Adam McDougal, third place Varsity.

* Acting Comedic before 1900 — Ella Gibbons, second place Novice.

* Acting Dramatic 1900-1974 — Elizabeth Swaine, third place Varsity.

* Acting Comedic 1975-2004 — Connery Patel, first place Novice.

* Duet Acting Dramatic before 1900-1974 — Ipek Unal and Alyssa Triolo, first place Intermediate.

* Duet Acting Comedic from 1975 to present — Adam McDougal and Alex McDaniel, second place Varsity.

* Musical before 1975 — Carly Parker, first place Varsity.

* Makeup Design — Kennedy Anderson, third place Novice.

* Scene Design — Autumn Tolbert, first place Varsity.

“This experience renewed my faith in the amazing magic that can happen when we all come together,” Patel said. “I’m overwhelmed with pride in my students and their efforts these past few days (at the Trumbauer festival),” Patel said.