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NEWS & VIEWS

In the last several years we have continued to add to the resources our students enjoy with many new acquisitions: 

The following are new for 2019-2020:

  • Two new short throw video projectors

  • New projection software and video splitter

  • New video mixer

  • Nine new wireless microphones

  • New power amp

  • New digital sound snake and ethernet cabling

  • Second hazer

  • Three new LED Ellipsoidals

 

The following are new for 2018-2019:

  • The amps and wireless microphones now have a tower backstage in the fashion of most professional houses.

  • Added two new intelligent light fixtures (bringing our totals to 8 large and three small fixtures).

  • We purchased a large low lying fog machine.

The following are new for 2017-2018:

  • We have continued to add LED pars to our lighting inventory.

  • We now have a total of 6 large moving head light instruments and 3 smaller ones.

  • We've added to our wireless microphones.

The following are new for 2016-2017:

  • A brand new digital sound board with the ability to pre-program mics!

  • Set of new 8 handheld wireless microphones.

  • Set of new 8 head worn microphones.

  • New Mylar rain curtain (see it in SISTER ACT).

  • Two new upgraded Intelligent lines installed from the catwalk.

  • We purchased 4 remote controlled/wireless PAR 64s for use with our competition show.

  • We purchased 2 remote controlled/wireless light cubes for our fall show.

  • We continue to add to our costume stock.

The following are new for 2015-2016:

  • New Hazer and fog machines

  • New microphones

  • New LED Par 64s have been added to our stage bringing our total to 45.

  • We also have 4 black light LED pars

  • We continue to add to our costume stock.

  • We did several repairs our our dimmer rack.

 

The following are new for 2014-2015:

  • A generous parent donation was given to purchase four new head worn mics.

  • New speakers will be installed in the theatre to improve sound coverage in the space.

  • We are once again so pleased to receive a grant from ECOLAB to purchase $2000 worth of print resources for our Theatre Library.

  • 5 new LED Par 64's have been added to the stage (bringing our total to 15).

  • We've purchased 3 new snow machines for our holiday show.

  • NEW four station wireless backstage talk-back system by eartech.

 

  • The following are new for 2013-2014:

    • New white cyclorama

    • New paint for the entrance to the theatre

    • 10 new PAR lights and 10 refurbished PAR lights.

    • A family donated a brand new 30" TV monitor and DVD player combo to use to run video and pictures for recruitment events and productions.

    • We purchased a short throw video projector which made its first appearence at our presentation of LEAVING IOWA at SETC.

    • We are thrilled that we will begin the year with a brand new roof on the Weaver buildings.

    • Ten LED pars were added to help light SHREK, THE MUSICAL.

    • The orchestra pit has been cleaned and carpeted.

 

  • The following were new for the 2012-13 schoolyear:

    • We were once again honored to receive a grant from Ecolab for the purchase of a new 32 channel soundboard, microphone snake, and four handheld wireless mic system.

    • We've purchased a new CD player with Ipod dock integrated.

    • We received money from our boosters to purchase eight new style headworn wireless microphones.

    • A gift from boosters and a private donation has allowed us to purchase 16 new Source Four Ellipsoidals that have been installed on our catwalk.

    • Through a generous gift we received a set of eight wireless microphones which made their debut at our musical IN THE HEIGHTS.

    • We received 6 new rechargable walkie-talkies for backstage communication.We now own 4 intelligent moving light fixtures, a green laser, and a variety of special effect lights.We have a new open classroom/studio space in the north wing for our performance classes.

    • We received two new spotlights

  • The following were new for the 2011-12 school  year:

    • New Curtains!

    • New LED cyclorama lighting.

    • New Scrim

    • Two LED spotlights

    • New arena style hazer

    • Intelligent lighting with control board.

    • New lighting-including PAR 64s

 

  • The following were new for the previous couple of years:

    • New Theatre lab space:  costume, prop, and make-up space

    • New video projector for our film classes.

    • New sound equipment

    • New computers

    • Installed projector in theatre

    • New tools

    • travelling sound system

    • new office bookcases

    • new cubbies for theatre alcove

In 2008 Keith Taylor was named as the AATE (AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF THEATER EDUCATORS) TEACHER OF THE YEAR

POETRY OUT LOUD

POEM PERFORMANCE competition

 State Finalist

2019  Jack Greenberg

 

Guilford County Winners

advance to state

2019  Jack Greenberg

2019  Sophie Stewart

NC Thespians inducted Mr. Keith Taylor into the Thespian Hall of Fame in May of 2020.  He was recognized for his service to the organization including the direction of the first ALL-STATE production (Bare: the Musical)

 

North Carolina Theatre Arts Educators (NCTAE) named our own,

 Mr. Keith Taylor as their very first TEACHER OF THE YEAR  

at their September 2014 Conference!

 

STUDENTS CONTINUE TO EARN TOP HONORS

 

2020 brought extraordinary challenges to the world as the Corona Virus dramatically impacted schools and arts programs.  With just days ahead the musical BRING IT ON had to be postponed and eventually cancelled.  The cast and crew had worked long and hard for what promised to be a sensational event.

 

May 2020 found our graduating seniors with some unusual and very special events. Seniors were delivered yard signs and received an honors parade to their homes where they were presented with honor cords, kind words, and sweet gifts.  They participated in a drive-thru graduate recognition ceremony on campus on June 6th.​

March 2020:  The NCTAE playwriting competition and festival awarded Ada Collins for OUTSTANDING PLAY and Honorable Mentions to both Alex Fritts and Emily Pate.

January 2020:  Ally McLean and Olivia Woody represented Weaver as our school winners at the annual Poetry Out Loud competition.

November 2019:  Weaver was recognized by NCTC for our production of 33 VARIATIONS.  At the regional festival in Charlotte the production earned a Superior rating and was awarded as Distinguished play.  Other awards included:  

Festival Spirit Award; Barbizon Excellence in Design & Production - Stage Management - Danielle Aikens; Barbizon Excellence in  Design & Production -Properties - Isabel Egbert; Excellence in Acting - Annie Conrad; Excellence in Acting - Anthony Costello ; Outstanding Achievement in Acting  - Frances Porter; Excellence in Ensemble Acting; Excellence in Directing - Keith Taylor; and Distinguished Play (Judges Choice).

At the State Festival 33 Variations also received a Superior rating and was also awarded:

Festival Spirit Award; Excellence in live Music; and the Barbizon Outstanding Achievement in Design & Production - Stage Management - Danielle Aikens.

 

March 2019:  Theatre students enjoyed two and half days of non-stop theater at the NC ITS festival.  The following students received SUPERIOR ratings:  

Mackenzie Shaw- solo musical; Halee Myers—Monologues , Solo musical (CRITICS CHOICE); Alex Fritts—Monologues; Frances Porter—Monologues; Helena Franco—Monologues; Isabel Rhoten—Monologues; Jack Greenberg—solo musical; Anthony  Costello—solo musical; Sarah Stephens—monologues; Bronwen Bradshaw—monologues, solo musical; Caroline Donato—solo musical; and Alex Contianos – monolugues. 

Additionally we had four students named to the ALL-STATE cast for the production of BARE:THE MUSICAL:  Anthony Costello; Bronwen Bradshaw; Ally McLean; and Livia Donato.

February 2019:  Sophie Stewart and Jack Greenburg won the Guilford County Poetry Out Loud competition and went on to compete at the state level.  Jack made it to be included in the nine finalists.

February 2019:  Isabel Rhoten's play DINNERS WITH AARON took top honors for the North Carolina Young Playwrights Festival hosted by UNCG and Triad Stage.  Her play received a staged reading followed by a Q&A with herself and the production team.

February 2019:  Halee Myers won first place at the August Wilson Monologue competition and will go on to compete in NYC in May.

February 2019:  Jack Greenburg represented our school at the annual ESU Shakespeare Monolog Competition.

November 2018:  Weaver's production of IN A WORD received much acclaim and Superior ratings at NCTC regional and state festivals.  At the regional festival students were recognized for the Festival Spirit Award; Barbizon Excellence in Design & Production - Sound Design - Camille Everett; Barbizon Outstanding Achievement in Design & Production - Tech Direction & Lighting Design - Petko Novosad; Outstanding Achievement in Acting  - Isabel Rhoten; Excellence in Directing - Keith Taylor;  and Distinguished Play (Audience Choice)

At the state festival the production earned a Superior rating and students were recognized for the Festival Spirit Award; Barbizon Excellence in Design & Production - Sound Design - Camille Everett; Barbizon Outstanding Achievement in Design & Production - Tech Direction & Lighting Design - Petko Novosad; Excellence in Acting - Ethan McKinney; Outstanding Achievement in Acting  - Isabel Rhoten; and Excellence in Directing - Keith Taylor

 

March 2017:  Theater students are honored to be named among the top finalists in the state wide North Carolina Young Playwrights  play writing competition

Honorable Mention-The Bench by Livi Southard

Winner-Crepes by Livia Donato

Both students will be honored in April.  Crepes will receive a staged reading at UNCG and Livia Donato will be featured in a talkback with the author public forum.  Both plays will be available for classroom use or production on the website of the North Carolina Theater Arts Educators.

 

March 2017: Theater students participated in the North Carolina Thespian Festival and the following students received SUPERIOR ratings:

Roxy Cowett-  Monologues; Taylor Rockwood- Monologues; Frances Porter - Monologues; Alex Fritts- Monologues; Mackenzie Shaw- Solo Musical performance; Jack Greenberg – Solo Musical performance; Ethan McKinney – Solo Musical performance; Halee Myers and Taylor Rockwood – Duet Acting.

 

And Flora Schwartzel was awarded CRITICS CHOICE as the top SUPERIOR in her event for Costumes.

March 2017:  the school of theatre@ Weaver opened SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL to sold out crowds and rave reviews.  The seven performance run of the show set records for attendance and box office!  The musical featuring Tenayjah Hawkins (Deloris), Bronwyn Bradshaw (Mother Superior), MacKenzie Shaw (Sister Mary Roberts), Halee Myers (Sister Mary Partrick), and Jack Greenberg (Eddie) featured a two-story set, flashy costumes, and sparkling choreography.

2017:  Weaver's production of CURIOUS INCIDENT received much acclaim and Superior ratings at NCTC regional and state festivals.  At the regional festival students were recognized for the Festival Spirit Award; Barbizon Excellence in Design & Production - Costume Design (FS); Barbizon Excellence in Design & Production - Sound Design (CE); Barbizon Outstanding Achievement in Design & Production - Stage Management (AP); Excellence in Ensemble Acting--Curious cast; Excellence in Production Design - Curious Incident Outstanding Achievement in Acting (JG); Excellence in Directing - Keith Taylor; and Distinguished Play (Audience Choice).  At the state festival Weaver was recognized for the Festival Spirit Award: Barbizon Outstanding Achievement in Design & Production - Stage Management (AP): Outstanding Achievement in Acting (JG).

November 2017:  Weaver was honored to be asked to be a host site for one of the eight NCTC regional play festivals.  We will host and provide technical support for sixteen plays over two days.  The top two plays will advance to the state festival at Greensboro College.

May 2017:  Weaver celebrated its annual DDH (Drama Department Honors) and ITS induction at the beautiful Star Mount County Club. Presided over by ITS president Victoria Evans and fellow officers the year's accomplishments were celebrated in grand style.  Hundreds of certificates and forty trophies were awarded.  Twenty new members were inducted into ITS in a lovely candlelight ceremony.  Spotlight awards included:  Most ITS point awarded in a single year to Petko Novosad, Rising Star award to Jack Greenberg, and Thespian of the Year to Victoria Evans.  The evening included with honoring our graduating seniors and a slide presentation of our season.

November 2016:  Weaver's production of LOVE/SICK went from acclaimed main stage performances to competition at NCTC regional and state events.  At the regional festival at Wake Forest High School in Raleigh the production garnered a superior rating and Distinguished play, and the following awards:  Excellence in Design and Production awards for props (MS), costumes (FS), and stage management (AP), Outstanding acting (VE), Outstanding directing (KT), and the festival spirit award.  At the state festival Weaver received Excellence in Scenic Concept, festival spirit award, Excellence in Design and production for stage management (AP), Outstanding acting (AB), and a Superior rating.

 

2014:  Weaver's MIDDLETOWN received rave reviews and a SUPERIOR rating from the adjudicators at the NCTC State Festival.  Students were recognized for Excellence in Production & Design: Properties (ML and EM), Origninal Score (TN) and Outstanding Achievement in Production and Design for Stage Management (KW), which includes a $70,000 scholarship offer from Greensboro College.  Excellence in Acting awards went to the two MIDDLETOWN leads (WC and TB).  Another great festival!

 

2014:  Weaver's MIDDLETOWN takes distinguished play honors at the regional NCTC festival hosted by Weaver Academy.  The play will advance to the State level. Students were recognized for properties (ML and EM) and Stage Management (KW); tech award for original music score (TN); Mr. Taylor received the excellence in directing award; two students (PW and KQ) received excellence in acting awards; and two students earned Outstanding acting awards  (top male:  WC; top female:  TB).

 

2014:  Six students represented Weaver at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in June.  They received lot's of attention in the college audition process.  One of our students was offered a place with the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM) to join them after graduation this coming Spring.

 

2013:  Weaver opened day 2 of the NCTC State Play festival at Greensboro College with a standing ovation and a SUPERIOR rating for DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL.  Two students earned excellence in acting awards; Mr. Taylor was recognized for excellence in directing; the production received a tech award for overall production design; properties manager received an excellence award; stage manager and costume designer were both recognized for outstanding work (each award was linked to a large scholarship offer).  Students also participated in the college auditions day and received much attention and many offers.

 

2013: Weaver took top honors at the NCTC regional Play festival at Lenoir-Rhyne University.  Two students earned excellence in acting awards; Mr. Taylor was recognized for Directing; our stage manager, costume designer, and properties manager all received awards.  DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL will advance to compete in the state play festival at Greensboro College in Novemeber.

 

2013:  Six students competed in Individual Events and enjoyed a week of performances and college auditions at the International Thespian Festival held annually in Lincoln, Nebraska.  The students received an abundance of college call-backs and continued to represent Weaver well at such events.

 

2013:  Our program was honored for a second time to receive an invitation from The American High School Theatre Festival to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.  Although we will not be fielding a production this time, it was thrilling to once again be honored in this way.

 

2013:  Once again a Weaver Theatre student took top honors at the English Speaking Union annual Shakespeare monolog contest.  She went on to represent us at the National event in NYC!

 

2013:  Students were honored with the opportunity to perform LEAVING IOWA at the SETC conference in Louis ville, Kentucky. The performance earned a Superior rating and two students took home honors for their acting.  The Group enjoyed a week of professional workshops and performances from students from across the South. Many of the students participated in College auditions where they stirred up an abundance of interest in Weaver Academy and the caliber of our students!

 

2012:  Weaver took top honors at the NCTC State Play Festival and advanced to perform at SETC in Louisville, Kentucky this March.  A freshman student took home an excellence in acting award; a senior took the top award in acting which carried three scholarship offers with it, and Mr. Taylor was recognized for his directing.

 

2012:  Weaver won regional honors at the 2012 NCTC Play Festival and will go to compete in the State Festival with a cutting of LEAVING IOWA; three students won Excellence in Acting awards; one student won the Oustanding Actor award; and Mr. Taylor was recognized for his directing.

 

2012:  Weaver won numerous awards at the 2012 ITS festival--we had a record number of Superiors and Critic Choice awards.

 

2012:  Weaver students were honored to present the world premiere of the original musical ST. AGGIE'S '84 written by Canadian composer Chris Wynters.  They went on to perform the opening number in Guilford County's ONSTAGE concert

 

2012:  Two Weaver seniors took top awards at the NCTAE Playworks Festival.

 

2012: A junior acting student won first place in the Guilford County English Speaking Union, Shakespeare Contest. She won a trip to NYC to compete as a finalist.

 

2011:  Weaver won regional honors at the 2011 NCTC Play Festival and will go on to compete in the State Festival with a cutting of THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA;  two students wons excellence in Acting awards; Weaver also received awards for Overall production Design (set, costumes, lighting, make-up, sound), Ensemble Award, and Mrs. Kraack was recognized for her Directing.

 

2011:  Weaver won multiple Critic's Choice awards at the spring state ITS festival including our one-act entry, TRIFLES.  A team went on to Nebraska to present TRIFLES in a showcase, compete, and participate in workshops and college auditions.  Students took home top prizes for monologues and lighting design and received a record number of call backs in the college audition process. 

 

2011:  A senior acting student won third place in the NCTAE playwriting contest with his original play, BLOOMIN' LILLY.  He won a cash prize, a staged reading of his play at TRIAD STAGE, and his work will be published.  Weaver was also represented as a Playworks pilot school with THE WINE GLASS, also written by a senior acting student.

 

2011:A sophomore acting student won first place in the Guilford County English Speaking Union, Shakespeare Contest. She won a trip to NYC to compete as a finalist.

 

2010: Weaver was invited to perform in the Fringe Festival in Edinburg Scotland in August of 2010.  They performed a children's show based on a book by President Jimmy Carter called  THE LITTLE BABY SNOOGLE FLEEJER.  Check out AHSTF.org for information on this thrilling opportunity.

 

2010:  Weaver won regional honors at the 2010 NCTC Play Festival and went on to compete in the State festival with our cutting of THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE; two students took home acting awards and Mr. Taylor was recognized for Directing at regionals and Weaver won Excellence in Costumes and Excellence in Hair and Make-up at State.

 

2010:  A Weaver Senior won second place in the NCTAE playwriting contest for his original play, FLYING THE NEST.  He won a cash prize, a staged reading of his play at TRIAD STAGE, and his work will be published.2009:  Weaver won regional honors at the 2009 NCTC Play Festival and went on the compete in the State festival with a cutting of ALMOST, MAINE.  They received multiple acting and design awards on both levels.

THESPIAN of the YEAR

2020 TBA

2019 Mackenzie Shaw

2018  Jack Greenberg

2017 Victoria Evans

2016  Will Clark

2015  Kristin Wright

2014  Kyle Kite

2013  Laura Peterson

2012  Emily Franks North

2011  Isaac Powell

English speaking union

MOnolog competition

Regional Winners (compete in NYC):

2020 Halee Myers

2018  Abby Burris

2017  Roxy Cowett

2016  Abby Burris

2014  Jaevon Williams (2nd)

2013  Roxanne Snyder

2012  Cara Farlow

2011  Leigha Sinnott

2010  Sam Jones

Winners (compete in NYC):

2020  Anthony Costello

2019  Halee Myers

2018  Jack Greenberg

2016  Kendall Mason

 

august Wilson

MOnolog competition

INternational

THESPIAN HONORS

Camille Everett 2019

Petko Novosad 2019

Mackenzie Shaw 2019

Tyler Void 2019

Abby Burris  2018

Roxy Cowett  2018

Ashley Pennington  2018

Taylor Rockwood  2018

Maggie Gray 2016

Kristin Wright  2015

Kyle Kite 2014

Bridget Lavender  2014

Cara Farlow  2013

Caleb Taylor 2011

Travis Neese  2010

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS

ORIGINAL PLAYS competition

 Winners

2020  Ada Collins

Honorable mentions to Alex Fritts and Emily Pate

2019 Isabel Rhoten

2018 Livia Donato

Honorable mention to Livi Southard

Many Previous winners including:

2012  Smith McLean

2012 Hayden Moses

school of theatre ABROAD

2019  London, ITS Nebraska; 2018  Chicago Unifieds, ITS Nebraska; 2017  NYC, ITS Nebraska; 2016  ITS Nebraska; 2015   Disney World, ITS Nebraska; 2014  ITS Nebraska; 2013 Chicago Theater, ITS Nebraska; 2012  NYC, ITS Nebraska; 2011 SETC in Kentucky, ITS Nebraska; 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland), ITS Nebraska; 2009 NYC

2018 Tonys

WEAVER ALUM WINS TONY AWARD

Congratulations to Isaac Powell, as a member of the cast of 

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND 

for winning

BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL !!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crRlBGjkNeU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09Gt2IVJmHY

Isaac has since gone on to star as Tony in the Broadway revivial of WEST SIDE STORY!

Many Thanks to our friends at

ECOLAB

for their generous grant towards

the purchase of print resources!

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