St. Andrew’s Upper School students were named 2nd runner up in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) State 2-AA one act play competition this fall. The 18-member cast presented a condensed version of The Outsiders, winning first place at the region level and then competing at the state level in mid-November.
Putting a unique twist on the coming-of-age novel and movie, all the lead roles were played by female students.
“This is one of my all-time favorite books, and I was so excited to learn the cast was going to be predominantly female,” said Eden Young. “I was thrilled to be playing the part of Ponyboy Curtis.”
At the region level, theatre teacher Maggie Hart and senior Sophia Kotowski were recognized for best direction of the 55-minute production, and freshman Jordyn Linfoot and junior Eden Young both received acting awards.
“The work is really timeless. It’s about young people struggling to find their identity in a chaotic world,” said Kotowksi.
This cast included several first-time performers and no one in the cast had ever participated in a one act competition.
“We were thrilled to do so well this year especially in our first year competing in the GISA conference,” said Hart. “This group of students worked hard as a team to create a gritty, relevant performance. I could not be prouder.”
Kaleigh Nicholson and Eden Young were both recognized at the state level for their acting ability.
The St. Andrew’s theatre department has already begun rehearsals for their next production, Bye, Bye Birdie. Dates for the fully staged musical are March 1 – 3, 2019.
