Chaparral High School’s award-winning Bobcat Drama has earned another honor for its fast-expanding trophy case, and this may be the biggest one yet.
The four-year-old school’s drama department won a Heller Award for Young Artists for best scenic design, announced Wednesday at an awards ceremony at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin.
“This was the first year we were able to enter in the Heller Awards for Young Artists. Not only was it a milestone to get five nominations in our first year, but it's exceptional to win the HAYA for Best Scenic Design,” said CHS theater director Samantha Dunaway.
The highly esteemed Heller Awards began with 19 Austin-area schools in 2014.
This is the first year the program has expanded northward covering 37 schools, including Chaparral High School in Killeen.
The Best Scenic Design Award came from the Bobcat Drama production of Godspell last fall.
Dunaway accepted the design award alongside students Saturn Boulding and Armie Melton.
"We'd like to thank all of our Godspell crew and Technical Theatre classes who worked tirelessly to help design and create this beautiful ‘art park’ on stage,” Dunaway said.
“Without our stellar technicians, this award would not have been possible. We are honored to have such a strong program full of techies, performers, booster parents, administrators, and directors that support our motto: Excellence Is Habit!”
"We are incredibly proud of our Bobcats for earning this well-deserved recognition,” said KISD Fine Arts Director Morganne Davies. “The Central Texas region is home to some of the most competitive and established musical theatre programs in the state, which makes this achievement all the more remarkable.
“To see our technical theatre students and directors at Chaparral High School distinguished for their excellence in such a short time is a true testament to their dedication, artistry, and relentless pursuit of their craft."
Chaparral High School HATA nominations include the following:
Ava Morgan - Best Supporting Performer Female Category
Marlee Luther - Best Featured Performer Ensemble Category
Alexandra Madera - Best Featured Performer Ensemble Category
Saturn Boulding - Student Achievement in Stage Management
Chaparral students involved with the Heller Awards Ceremony in Austin included:
Saturn Boulding - Student Stage Manager for TPA & Bass Hall
Armie Melton - Backstage Volunteer for TPA & Bass Hall
Hadassah Moon - Finale Performer
Zachary Repine - Finale Performer
Harker Heights High School theater students Brayden Johnson and Skyler Jimenez also participated in the ceremony, representing their production of Beetlejuice, Jr.
Photos from Godspell: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/54892637050/in/album-72177720330013981/
