The Wayne High Play Production Team got their season off to a running start on Nov. 8 finishing in first place of Division 3 at the York K-Dub Festival.
Division Three had eight teams from around the state, presenting their productions to three judges and one Technical Judge. These included One D1 school, three from Class A, and four of from Class B (which is the class Wayne competes in). These included Schuyler, Conestoga, Parkview Christian, Grand Island Northwest, Waverly, Fremont, Wayne and Malcom.
"Wayne’s acting was over the top and the results showed it: ranked first, first and second by the three judges, and receiving superior ratings, 57/60, 58/60, and 58/60 and a 58/60 from the technical judge. Also winning Best Makeup & Hair Design, and a Third place in Technical Theater," said Director Julie Osnes.
Eleven students received Outstanding Acting awards. They were Adrienne Anderson, Aidan Bohnert, Kennasyn Blecke, Callen Gamble, Whitney Hadcock, Grace Junck, Josie Ley, Johen Piper, Caleb Raulston, Colby Raulston and Sophia Spieker.
Four actors were also recognized overall from the 265 students on stage that day — two receiving Best Actor awards and two receiving Best Supporting Actors. Three of the four were from Wayne. Best Supporting Actor Awards went to Sophia Spieker and Adrienne Anderson. Best Actor Award went to Colby Raulston.
"We are so very proud of the team, particularly the seniors who really stepped up to the mark, Saturday," Osnes said.
This year Wayne is performing "The Infamous Soothing System of Professor Maillard," by Raleigh Marcell Jr. A work of gothic satire, the play, both humorous and unnerving, is based on an 1845 short story by Edgar Allan Poe, The System of Doctor Tarr & Professor Fether. The “Hero,” played by Colby Raulston, decides to visit the private sanitarium operated by the renowned Professor Maillard, played by Aidan Bohnert. A grand party given by the doctor is about to begin, but what happens next, stays at the party.
Wayne High School has presented this very play at least three times that the directors are aware of — the Fall of 2013, 2010, and 2001, so the Home Show on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m., should be a walk down memory lane for many alumni and their families.
Before the tournament, Coach Osnes had sent the students an email.
"I always tell the students what my mother told me, (long before Lion King) to “Remember who you are.” Which the students know means that your words and actions reflect more than yourselves. You represent your family, your school and your community. Boy did they ever do that. All of us should be just as proud as I am of this team’s passion, effort and that they reflect our community so well," Osnes said.
Upcoming performances include:
Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Jaguar Festival which will be held in the Nielsen Center in West Point. Wayne was scheduled to perform at 10:45 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Mid States Conference Play Production to be held at Johnny Carson Theater in Norfolk. Wayne is scheduled to perform at 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 25 will be the Home Show at Wayne High School at 7:30 p.m. and
Saturday, Dec. 6 will be the District Competition in Schuyler with Wayne scheduled to perform at 2 p.m.
