By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
Drama and theatricals have been a growing area of interest in our schools over the past several years.
So much so, there are regional and state competitions for chapters to exhibit their talents which have recently been divided into north and south regions due to the number of entries. “This was the first time the area has been split between north and south”, commented Director Erin Marks. Tucker County High School was prepared to compete in the Area III South Regional Festival; however, inclement weather postponed their performance therefore competing with the northern district this past weekend.
There were six schools that competed in the festival, which included Fairmont Senior High School, Bridgeport High School, Robert C. Byrd High School, North Marion High School, Grafton High School, and our very own TCHS. The performance displayed by these talented actors and actresses is entitled “The Other Room”, which Marks describes as a skit about a boy diagnosed with autism and is quite dramatic. According to Marks, Bridgeport routinely takes the first place honor home at the conclusion of the festival, and this year was no different. However, the big surprise was hearing the announcement of Tucker County High School receiving second place honors, securing them a trip to the West Virginia State Thespian Festival. In addition to first and second place competitors, third place makes the trip as well, which this year went to Robert C. Byrd High School.
This after school theatre group practices two to three times a week after the dismissal bell rings. “These after school kids are phenomenal”, expressed Marks, “they make my job so enjoyable”. She also went on to state it is wonderful the school offers programs such as these to students who aren’t necessarily interested in the athletics. “I myself was a part of this in high school in Maryland,” she said.
Actors and Actresses for this performance include: freshmen Tanner Gatto and Tessa Jolly, sophomores Lindsey Hull, Karley Kyle, and Samantha Chambers, and senior Lalah Ends. Lighting director is junior Lucas Davis, while sound and stage manager is sophomore Sadie Palmer. Director for the program is Erin Marks and assistant director Cathy Chambers. The group hopes to put on a public performance prior to their travels to the state competition, which will be determined at a later date. The state competition will be held at WVU, March 14-16. Further scheduling information will be available as the remainder of the regional events are concluded.
