The Theatre Department at Hammond High School hosted an awards banquet inside the cafeteria on Monday.
Students, parents, and teachers gathered to celebrate the seniors’ theatrical achievements who are also a part of the International Thespian Society, an educational theatre’s association student honorary organization established in 1929. Hammond Theatre chartered troupe #8183 in November 2015 with an inaugural group of 19 students.
The Dramastics, an improvisation group kicked-off the event with a performance. The crowd cheered and laughed as the student performers acted out various scenarios that embodied different characters.
Although the awards banquet marks the theatre department’s last event for the year, some individuals expressed their happiness in what the future holds for each student. “It’s bittersweet because I won’t get to see him perform,” Debi Wilhelm said, the mother of Kevin Aranyi who is a graduating senior.
Aranyi has been active with the theatre department since he was in the 9th grade. He will attend the University of Maryland College Park and will major in computer science. His passion for theatre will continue as he plans to try out for acapella groups within the state. “I love watching the kids perform,” Wilhelm said.
Theatre teacher Ms. Lauren Tobiason also shared her reflections about the theatre’s department overall year. She noted that she was pleased about the level of involvement within the group of students who remained flexible during the cancellations of several rehearsal due to snow.
Ms. Tobiason presented awards to students who earned notable achievements for their individual stage performances, leadership abilities, and attitudes. Each graduating senior shared their plans after high school, some of whom will attend college to pursue an education in theatre and ultimately a career.
Afterwards, Ms. Tobiason played a slideshow that depicted the theatre’s department highlights of the year. The students huddled around the projector as they reminisced about past performances and behind the scenes memories.
Hammond’s principal, Marcia Leonard, explained how she enjoyed the privilege of watching her students grow both academically and personally. She noted how she has seen students’ transform throughout their time at Hammond. Ms. Leonard mentioned that the event is a special occasion that signals the end of a journey but the beginning of a new one. She exclaimed that she is very proud of her students and looks forward to continue leading at Hammond. Ms. Leonard has served as principal for six years.
Refreshments were served after the event. Students socialized with one another about next year’s upcoming shows and events. Ms. Tobiason has some ideas in mind but nothing completely guaranteed as she is still working on wrapping up this year’s theatre students events.
Hammond High School Theatre produces two major productions each year- a fall play and a spring musical. Any student who is academically eligible can audition for these productions or participate on a technical crew. The Advanced Theatre and Musical Theatre classes present a showcase of published and original work in May.
For more information about theatre productions and classes, contact Ms. Tobiason at lauren_tobiason@hcpss.org.