Excellence Awards

More appreciation …

excellenceawards — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:52:40 +0000

A special shout-out to all of our wonderful sponsors: StepNTime Choreography, Gun Lake Women’s Club, Ewing Landscaping, Cindy Miller, Thornapple Arts Council, Greenlight Driving School, MV-Ionia Community Band, Maple Valley Kiwanis, Patricia & Michael Gormley, Gavin Smith, Betsy Parish and the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. The event would not have been possible without your support!

Awards Ceremony Recap

excellenceawards — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:40:31 +0000

Thank you to all of the schools, students, volunteers and crew members who took part in the 1st Annual Excellence in High School Musical Theater Awards. The event was a wonderful celebration of students and their work during their productions. Congratulations to all of the winners! All the students represented their schools well and provided a fantastic night of entertainment. Special thanks to the emcee’s, Mac Arney and Chris Caldwell along with the Maple Valley-Ionia Community Band for their part in the festivities.

Professional photos of the event will be available through Miller’s Photographic Studio of Vermontville and some will be posted here when they are available.

The winners are:

The Excellence Award for Ensemble/Chorus:
o Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease

The Excellence Award for Stage Crew/Technical Execution:
o Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The Excellence Award for Scene Design:
o Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The Excellence Award for Orchestra:
o Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The Excellence Award for Musical Direction:
o Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The Excellence Award for Choreography:
o Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease

The Excellence Award for Featured Female Performer:
o Katelyn Graybill as Red Riding Hood in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
o Honorable Mention – Sydney Khouri as Jan in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease

The Excellence Award for Featured Male Performer (a tie):
o Ted Rosenberg as Captain Brackett in Thornapple Kellogg’s production of South Pacific
o Cody Edgerton as Luther Billis in Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The Excellence Award for Supporting Actress:
o Morgan Gonzales as Bloody Mary in Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
o Honorable Mention – Jenny LaJoye as the Baker’s Wife in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods

The Excellence Award for Supporting Actor:
o Jordan Swinkunas as Cinderella’s Prince in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
o Honorable Mention – Adam Zank as Kenicke in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease

The Excellence Award for Leading Actress:
o Mandy Buehler as the Witch in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
o Honorable Mention – Kelsey Mansel as Nellie Forbush High School’s production of South Pacific

The Excellence Award for Leading Actor:
o Jordan Swinkunas as Charlie Brown in the Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown
o Honorable Mention – Dominic Bierenga as Emile de Becque Thornapple Kellogg’s production of South Pacific

The Excellence Award for Direction:
o Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease

The Excellence Award for Overall Production:
o Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

A little note

excellenceawards — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:34:03 +0000

From Patricia Ward-Kelly in reference to the Gene Kelly Award Nominees announced today.
“Congratulations to all of the nominees. But, even more, congratulations to all of you who participated in the musicals this year. I look forward to seeing all of you on May 29 (May 16 for us). Please remember — the spirit of the Awards is to be there and support your fellow artists, even if your name was not on the list of nominees. That’s what really counts.”
The Kelly Awards are just one of the many programs the Excellence Awards are modeled after and an example of what we hope to become in the near future. Check out their Facebook page to learn more about their wonderful program and in turn, our own program.

A Little Note

excellenceawards — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:32:21 +0000

excellenceawards — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:28:59 +0000

Hello Teachers!

Just wanted to provide some information about the Excellence Awards coming up on May 16. It is sure to be a great event that will highlight the wonderfully talented and hard working students we have in the area!

As listed in the informational packet, each participating school is required to participate in the awards show by presenting one number from their production. Production numbers will be performed with limited accompaniment only, and the accompanists will be provided by the school. It can be any song from the show, a big production number, solo or duet, the choice is yours. A grand piano and/or sound system is available to be used and I may have access to an accompanist/recorded backing track if you are unable to find one.

At least two students from each school, a boy and girl, will attend a mandatory rehearsal and represent your school in the finale. Failure of any school to participate in the Finale number may affect eligibility for future participation in the program. The rehearsal for the finale is included in the attached calendar.

No scenic elements will be allowed for the performance, but costumes and hand props that can be easily transported by the students will be permitted. Lighting will be provided and designed by technical staff at the performing arts center.

Also, if you have photos from your performances please send them along so we can display them in the lobby during the awards ceremony.

Students should accept the awards and please select a variety of students to represent your school. For example, the student who accepts the ensemble/chorus award should preferably not be nominated for an individual award. Acceptance speeches will be limited to two minutes.

Please let me know if you have any questions/issues with the schedule and I will work with you. We want to make sure all shows are represented at the event to highlight the wonderful work the students have accomplished.

Thank you so much for your participation – it is very much appreciated as we get this inaugural event up and running!

Amy Jo Kinyon
Director
excellenceawards@ymail.com
517.231.1554

Rehearsal/Awards Ceremony:
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Time Location
11:00 AM Load-In Setup by Awards Staff Scene Shop Entrance
12:00 PM Building Opens for school representatives
12:30 – 1 pm Hastings High School Charlie Brown Rehearsal On Stage
1:10 – 1:40 pm Hastings High School Into the Woods Rehearsal On Stage
1:50 – 2:20 pm Charlotte High School South Pacific Rehearsal On Stage
2:30 PM Finale Music Rehearsal Begins Choir Room
2:30 – 3 pm Maple Valley/Lakewwod Grease Rehearsal On Stage
3:10 – 3:40 pm Thornapple Kellogg South Pacific Rehearsal On Stage
3:50 – 4:30 pm Finale Rehearsal On Stage
4:30 – 5:30 pm Full Show Run Through On Stage
5:30 – 6:15 pm Dinner Break
6:30 PM House Opens
7:00 PM Show Begins
9:00 PM Show Ends

And the winner is …

excellenceawards — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:55:31 +0000

Congratulations to all of the nominees!

Let’s start with the nominees for the Excellence Award for Ensemble/Chorus.

The nominees are:

Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease
Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown
Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Stage Crew/Technical Execution are:

Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease
Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown
Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Lighting Design are:

Thornapple Kellogg’s production of South Pacific
Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Scene Design are:

Thornapple Kellogg’s production of South Pacific
Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Orchestra are:

Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Musical Direction are:

Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease
Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Choreography are:

Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Featured Female Performer are:

Amber Slagel as Sally Brown in Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown
Katelyn Graybill as Red Riding Hood in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
Amber Slagel as Cinderella in Hastings High School’ s production of Into the Woods
Sydney Khouri as Jan in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Featured Male Performer are:

Ted Rosenberg as Captain Brackett in Thornapple Kellogg’s production of South Pacific
Cody Edgerton as Luther Billis in Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Steven Rosario as Schroeder in Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown
Joe Benedict as Roger in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Supporting Actress are:

Katelyn Grabill as Lucy in the Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown
Maria Licari as Rizzo in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease

Jenny LaJoye as the Baker’s Wife in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
Morgan Gonzales as Bloody Mary in Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Supporting Actor are:

Josh Holliday as Lt. Cable in Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Adam Zank as Kenicke in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease
RJ Bailey as Lt. Cable in Thornapple Kellogg’s production of South Pacific
Jordan Swinkunas as Cinderella’s Prince in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Leading Actress are:

Megan Shoemaker as Sandy in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease
Kayla Bite as Sandy in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease
Kelsey Mansel as Nellie Forbush High School’s production of South Pacific
Mandy Buehler as the Witch in Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Leading Actor are:

Cody Hale as Danny in the Maple Valley/Lakewood production of Grease
Gavin Cooley-Bodary as Emile de Becque Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Dominic Bieregna as Emile de Becque Thornapple Kellogg’s production of South Pacific
Jordan Swinkunas as Charlie Brown in the Hastings High School’s production of Charlie Brown

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Direction are:

Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods
Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease

The nominees for the Excellence Award for Overall Production are:

Charlotte High School’s production of South Pacific
Maple Valley/Lakewood’s production of Grease
Hastings High School’s production of Into the Woods

How to support this program

excellenceawards — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:30:08 +0000

I am writing to let you know about an exciting program coming to the area. In these times of budget woes in local school districts, a new program is being developed to recognize student achievement in theatre arts. Seeking a way to recognize those students who put months of work into their productions each year, the Excellence Awards were created. Public and private high schools in both Barry and Eaton Counties are invited to participate in this event.

Recognition of outstanding achievement by students and educators will be made in the areas of performance, design, direction, choreography, technical production and overall production excellence. The Excellence Awards judges are comprised of area theatre professionals, performing artists, theater arts educators and those with a history in the theatre field. Three judges will attend each participating school and evaluate their production. In May, the Tony Awards-style ceremony will be presented on the Charlotte Performing Arts Center stage, complete with guest presenters and live music. Schools nominated for best musical production will perform one musical number from their show. The winners of best actor and best actress will also be entered in the National High School Theatre Awards, The Jimmy’s. They will be invited to travel to New York where they will join winners from throughout the country in a gala awards ceremony.

How can you help? We are looking for sponsors to help cover the costs of the awards and use of the facility for the ceremony. We need to purchase 18 personalized awards at a cost of $50 each. Sponsors of the awards will be announced with the award, featured in all publications for the Excellence Awards and will be engraved on the awards themselves as well as listed in the program.

We are also seeking donations to help cover the cost of using the Charlotte Performing Arts Center for the event. Custodial services, along with other costs need to be covered and we are asking your help in meeting this need. Any amount, no matter how small will help put on an outstanding show to recognize local students.

If your organization would like to sponsor the entire awards ceremony, at a cost of $2,500, the awards will be renamed after your organization. For example, if Hometown Lumber were to sponsor the awards, the title would become The Hometown Lumber Excellence Awards. The return in advertising dollars and marketing potential far outweighs the investment. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration in helping out this worthwhile endeavor that seeks to recognize our local students and their achievements.

Sincerely,

Amy Jo Kinyon

Excellence Awards Director

(517) 231-1554

1st Annual Excellence in High School Musical Theater Awards

excellenceawards — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:30:25 +0000

Local students who participate in musicals at their schools will now have an exciting opportunity to build their portfolio and be recognized for the hard work that goes into each production. In these times of budget woes in local school districts, a new program is being developed to recognize student achievement in theatre arts. Seeking a way to recognize those students who put months of work into their productions each year, the Excellence Awards were created. Public and private high schools in both Barry and Eaton Counties are invited to participate in this event.

Recognition of outstanding achievement by students and educators will be made in the areas of performance, design, direction, choreography, technical production and overall production excellence. The Excellence Awards judges are comprised of area theater professionals, performing artists, theater arts educators and those with a history in the theater field. Three judges will attend each participating school and evaluate their production. On May 16, the Tony Awards-style ceremony will be presented on the Charlotte Performing Arts Center stage, complete with guest presenters and live music. Schools nominated for best musical production will perform one musical number from their show. The winners of best actor and best actress will also be entered in the National High School Theater Awards, The Jimmy’s. They will be invited to travel to New York where they will join winners from throughout the country in a gala awards ceremony.

Enclosed with this letter you will find a packet of information and participation forms. High schools in Barry and Eaton counties have been invited to participate. The forms need to be filled out completely and mailed or faxed to us no later than Friday, January 29, 2010.

I am pleased to announce that we will be participating in the 2010 National High School Musical Theater Awards. You can get more information about the NHSMTA on the website: nhsmta.com. Mark your calendars for next year’s competition in NYC June 23rd-28th.

We hope that you join us this year as we recognize outstanding student achievement in high school musical theater. We look forward to participating with you in future years as the program grows. We have many new and exciting aspects that we will be working to add in the coming years, including scholarship opportunities.