The Nansemond River High School Performing Arts Company brought home a slew of awards from the Virginia Theatre Association’s annual conference and festival held Oct. 21-25 in Norfolk.

The competitive performing arts team performed William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” directed by Dr. Joleen Neighbours. The production won Honorable Mention for the state and netted students Emily Hunter and Kenneth Galderisi State Student Directors Awards. Senior Liz Foshe won Best Actor in State, and seniors Rodney McKeithan and Christian Torres and sophomores Savannah Miller and Emily McCown were named All-State Actors.

Budding playwright Savannah Miller won first place for her new full-length play and second place for her new one-act play, which were judged against others submitted from high school students all over the state. It was her second year in a row winning first.

Senior Maia Micou won third place in the state costume design competition for the second year in a row.

Seniors also auditioned for many collegiate and university performing arts programs, receiving more than 40 callbacks while at the Virginia Theatre Association Conference.

“Nansemond River High School’s support for the arts begins with its administrators, led by Principal Mr. Thomas McLemore,” stated a press release from Neighbours.