NRHS theater team wins award
Published 7:47 pm Saturday, October 19, 2013
Members of Nansemond River High School’s award-winning competition theater team: back row, Brittany Johnson, Amy River, Harold Hodge, Shannon Dorn and Savannah Miller; middle row, Becca McCown, Dr. Joleen Neighbours, Kennef Couch, Torrie Williams, Rodney McKeithan, Sydney Pressley, Rolonzo Rawls, Cody Edwards and Cady Strickland; and front row, Emily Hunter, Haley Maddrey, Tia Price, Tori Tohak, Christine Pinell and Lauren Farrar.
Nansemond River High School’s award-winning competition theater team has notched another victory, taking out first place in the Virginia High School League Conference Theatre Festival.
Nansemond River’s play “The Diviners,” directed by Joleen Neighbours, scooped the competition during the festival at King’s Fork High School Oct. 12, according to a news release.
The play is about a mentally challenged young man with the ability to divine water.
Also at the newly formed conference festival under the Virginia High School League, two Nansemond River actors, Harold Hodge and Christian Ellis, both “received accolades for their performances.”
Neighbours and the theater team are hoping for similar success at another statewide theater competition at the end of October, the release states.
“As they have consistently done for the last 10 years, Nansemond River’s award-winning performing arts program is moving forward with a full season, competitions, and a host of potential opportunities, all done through fundraising and the support of the Nansemond River administration,” the release says.
Nansemond River will compete against 43 other high school programs from the commonwealth at the Virginia Theatre Association’s High School Theatre Festival.
The school has competed at the association’s annual conference since 2005, winning major awards including first place in the on-the-spot playwriting competition for five consecutive years, plus best actor and actress.
“The trip and competition, as well as the opportunity to audition for colleges and universities, enable these students to use all their skills towards employment and further education for any field of work,” the release states.
The Nansemond River High School Performing Arts Booster Club seeks corporate donors to support the arts program.
“Continued arts education prepares students for careers not only in the arts, but also in business, education, management, and much, much more,” the release states.
“The programs and productions at Nansemond River High School continue to aid students in development of these skills and give quality cultural experiences to the students.”
To support the arts at Nansemond River High School, contact booster club President Julie Bartley at jabartley88@aol.com, or Neighbours at joleenneighbours@spsk12.net or 923-4101.
