Wakeland HS Represents at 2018 Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards

Last night students from Wakeland High School gathered to attend the 2018 Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards program at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas.

Wolverine Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was nominated in two catagories: Best Leading Actress and Best Orchestra.

Jr. Elizabeth Dye was thrilled to be nominated for Best Leading Actress for her portrayal of Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Not only was Elizabeth able to perform on the DSM stage with the other eight category nominees she also had the opportunity to walk the red carpet, participate in the opening number and perform with Tony Award Winner Victoria Clark in a production number from The Light in the Piazza during the show. It was an evening she won’t soon forget.

Though Best Orchestra nominees don’t perform at the awards show Wakeland’s incredibly talented band and orchestra students, under the direction of Kevin Jones, had an enjoyable evening participating in the ceremony as well.

In addition to Best Actress and Best Orchestra nominations, Senior Mark Doerr was awarded one of ten Dallas Summer Musicals Ambassador Scholarships for students who have shown committment and involvement to theatre throughout high school but are not pursuing theatre in college. Mark, who played Gaston in this year’s production, hopes to one day play the Oboe in Broadway Pit Orchestras.

Wolverine Theatre’s production was an honorable mention nominee in seven additional categories: Choreography, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Stage Crew/Technical Execution, Ensemble/Chorus, Supporting Actress  (Leah Zalenski as Mrs. Potts), and Featured Actor (Ryan Roddy as Lumiere).

All schools who participate in the DSM program are invited to send two students from their production to participate in the program finale. Chosen by the directors, Senior Riley Budd and Sophomore Matthew Reno represented Wolverine Theatre this year and had a great time performing an inspiring number from Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen.

We are so proud of our entire Fine Arts program at Wakeland High School!