SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA/STERLING HEIGHTS – Theater students at Henry Ford II High School gained widespread popularity for their performance, technique and personnel at the state finals of a Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association event on Feb. 18 at Wayne State University.
The Falcon Theatre and Troupe 6785 have been revered for the second year in a row with the Jon Fitzgerald Class Act Award for their staging of “The Diary of Anne Frank. “Ford II Theatre Scholars also ranked fifth statewide and earned the highest award. Honors from most judges in the acting and technical categories.
Henry Ford II Theatre director Kirstin Carolina said seeing the humanity of her students shine through in Wendy Kesselman’s adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” at a competitive level is rewarding as a director and teacher.
“They didn’t captivate audiences, but their kindness and off-the-shelf empathy earned them the prestigious Fitz Class Act Award two years in a row. This popularity showcases his all-encompassing artistry, excelling in both its functionality and character,” said Carolin.
The Jon Fitzgerald Class Act Award is named after the former executive director of the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association and recognizes organizing the most noticed or heard scholars over the weekend, supporting scholars and broadcasts from other schools, each other, and the host site, which was Wayne State. Hilberry Gateway University Performing Arts Complex.
Carolin said they were very proud to have put together a beautiful exhibit that presents an applicable story.
“We all know the Ford II has students,” he said.
The one-act festival of plays calls for situations for scholars to create, direct, and perform a play in forty-five minutes.
Bria Loveday, a senior, who played Anne Frank, said winning “The Fitz” and winning at MIFA States is very special for scholars because, as a group, they pride themselves on being compassionate and respectful to everyone.
“Anne’s message taught us to appreciate and appreciate every moment we spent together. We tell this story in the hope that others can be informed and follow our lead,” he said.
Ford II Award of Excellence:
• Sound design: Aly Lupo, DeAndre Murray and Salvatore Orlando.
• Costume Design/Execution – Miriam Treviño
• Lobby Screen: Miriam Treviño
• T-shirt design – Abigail Patterson.
• Program Design – Ryan Snider.
• Starring: DeAndre’ Murray, Piper Gregory.
Top Rewards:
• Ensemble of actors: complete ensemble of actors.
• Anne Frank – Bria Loveday.
• Ms. Van Daan — Miriam Treviño.
• Mr. Van Daan – Aidan Carolin.
• Student directors: Bria Loveday, DeAndre’ Murray, Abigail Patterson.
• Property Design: Dane Hoppe, Katie Nowak, Company.
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