Oak Grove High School Theatre has been chosen to represent Mississippi once again at the South Eastern Theatre Conference at the end of February.
This weekend, Oak Grove Theatre competed as part of the state’s top nine high schools for one of the two top slots. Oak Grove presented “The Axeman’s Requiem” by B. Dwayne Craft.
“I am so extremely proud of these students,” said Suzanne Allmon, director. “They gave a great performance this past weekend and are very happy to be able to continue to the next level to represent Mississippi at the highest level of competition.”
Oak Grove Theatre won multiple awards during the Mississippi Theatre Association’s State Festival held at the Riley Center in Meridian.
Andrew O’Quinn was chosen as the recipient of the Mississippi Theatre Association College Scholarship.
Students won awards in the individual events competition and two were named to the All-Star Cast – Ian McDonald and Marlana Bullock – in Theatre for Youth.
During the High School Theatre Festival, Nahla Trotter won All Star Cast, Angel Walker won Best Actress and Oak Grove was awarded Best Costume Design and Runner Up Best Show.
“This will be Oak Grove’s 12th time to represent Mississippi in the South Eastern Theatre Conference,” said Allmon. “These students are so excited and ready for the challenge, but now comes the hard part of getting together the money to help this great group of 44 students to be able to get to SETC.”
South Eastern Theatre Conference is celebrating its 70th year this year and will be held in Knoxville, Tenn., for the first time. SETC is the largest theatre festival in the United States.
“It will cost us $23,000, so we would love any help we can get,” Allmon said. “Fundraisers will begin immediately and anyone who would like to help sponsor this group, please visit our website, www.oakgrovehightheatre.com, for contact information.
The Ocean Springs High School Theatre will be the other Mississippi school advancing to SETC and is directed by Chris Permenter, an Oak Grove graduate. Permenter received the award for Best Director.
In addition to the theatre competition, which resulted in six community theatre productions and nine high school productions, the four-day event also featured a 10-minute Play Festival, Theatre for Youth Festival, workshops, networking opportunities, and staged readings of two original works, which were selected as part of the organization’s annual playwriting competition for adults and youth.
