Bob Jones Theatre lands SETC’s Top Five, awards for acting, costumes
Patriot Players will present “Flowers for Algernon” on May 8-10 in Bob Jones’ Zompa Auditorium
MADISON – Unrelenting commitment to detail and professionalism led Bob Jones Theatre to the Top Five for “Best in Show” with their play, “Stuck With You”; “Best Costumes”; and four acting awards at the Southeastern Theatre Conference or SETC in Baltimore, Md.
Bob Jones represented Alabama at SETC, a theatrical convention and competition held yearly as the nation’s largest theatre conference. “The cast and crew were very excited and honored to be awarded Top Five,” Director and Theatre Teacher Mary Davis said.
“Seeing all their hard work pay off at the highest level is an award, in and of itself. The competition was the best of the best from across the Southeast. We’re so proud of receiving Top Five out of 18 shows,” Davis said.
“Three judges score each play based on various criteria. The rubric includes points for technical elements, acting, vocals and direction. The Top Five are determined by score. We received nearly perfect scores: 40/40, 39/40 and 38/40!” Davis said.
In other awards, Tyler Hatten won “Best Supporting Actor” for his portrayal of N. Edwin Moore, the Laboratory Janitor. “Edwin was a crowd favorite,” Davis said. “His character was lovable and provided many comedic moments.” In addition, Hatten earned “Best Supporting Actor” at all three levels: district, state and SETC. “It felt like a true reflection of hard work and dedication,” Hatten said.
Judges selected three Bob Jones actors for the “All-Star Cast”: Cypress Bryce (portraying Samantha Lockhart), Maggie Lawley (Rebecca Marwood) and Sarah Pierce (Rosemary Fernsby). “These three ladies were all in leading roles and were recognized for their exceptional acting and believability throughout the play,” Davis said.
The SETC experience on March 18-23 included one week of performing their original one-act play, “Stuck With You”; attending performances, visiting the convention center, entering workshops; and exploring Baltimore.
In Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area, SETC’s venue for all workshops and keynote speakers was the Convention Center and the historic Lyric Opera House. Bob Jones students watched other schools’ one-acts, visited the exhibit hall with college and professional theatre programs and attended workshops from industry professionals.
“We visited the National Aquarium and a place called ‘Illusions,’ where we watched famous magician, Spencer Horseman, perform a magical, comedic improv show. It was a delight for our students and a trip highlight,” Davis said.
Before the awards gala and dance, the Bob Jones troupe enjoyed a fancier meal at a local seafood restaurant, Phillips, on the inner harbor.
“We also had the opportunity to listen to keynote speaker, Andre De Shields, most recently famous for originating the role of Hermes in the Broadway musical, ‘Hadestown,’” Davis said.
“Stuck With You” is set at the start of World War II, and the costumes reflected 1940’s style. “Shari Kingsford (theatre parent) designed costumes . . . the fifth time her designs have been awarded ‘Best Costumes’ at the SETC level,” Davis said.
Libby Allen, Student Costumer, was integral in ensuring costumes were stage-ready for each performance. Allen also led a student team coordinating multiple costume quick-changes that happened in a flash, some less than 30 seconds.
Jesse Tilton authored “Stuck With You.” “It was an incredible honor to represent Alabama with my original play. It’s always extra special to create a show from scratch and provide a unique educational opportunity for all students involved,” Tilton said.
“The Lost Boy” by Ocean Springs High School in Mississippi received first place.
SETC in Baltimore was Bob Jones’ farthest destination to SETC “and the first time we’ve had to fly in order to get to SETC,” Davis said. “It was an odd choice to have the ‘Southeastern’ conference in the Northeast, but it was an adventure everyone will never forget.”
For many students, this trip was their first time on an airplane and staying in the inner city. “The parents who attended with us were invaluable to the ease of the trip, and, as we always are, we are very grateful for the support and encouragement our parent volunteers give to our program. We couldn’t do things on the magnitude that we do without them,” Davis said.
As soon as the Bob Jones actors returned to Madison, they immediately started working on their next show. “Usually, we take the whole semester to prepare for a fulllength play, but, with a fundraising Valentine’s Day show and SETC in March, we are pulling together our final show of the year in half the time,” Davis said.
“If any group of kids can make it happen, this group can — the cast and the crew are well-bonded and know how to pull together to work successfully as a unit,” Davis said. “They are friends who respect and support each other offstage, which shows onstage. It’s indeed been a fantastic group of students, and Jesse Tilton and I are so thankful to be their directors!”
Davis urges residents to attend their next show: “Flowers for Algernon”, a full-length drama written by David Rogers. Show times are May 8-9 at 7 p.m. and May 10 at 2 and 7 p.m. in Zompa Auditorium. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students.
