Warsaw Community High School Drama Dept. held its annual theater awards banquet Sunday.
Inductees into the Thespian troop included Hannah Bishop, Henry Robison, Lucy Clements, Conner Schue, Haley Coffman, Luke Secaur, Alex Floyd, Susanna Stichter and Michael Kuhn.
Honor Chords were presented to Shawn Bianchini, Shay Dixon and Emily Readle.
Voted on by peers, awards for One Acts went to: Brock Davis, best actor; Chance Parker, best supporting actor; Antonio Mantey, best minor actor; Jillian Burley, best actress; Jenna Jones, best supporting actress; Mary Southworth, best minor actress; and Ally Ferber and Laura Eberhardt, best directors.
For Children's Plays, Theater III, awards were handed out to: Zach Collins, best actor; and Shelby Anderson, best actress.
State Show awards were given to: Cameron Carter, best actor; and Kristen Schwenger, best actress.
Most Improved awards were bestowed upon: Kiara Stewart, freshman; Jeff Gordon, sophomore; Emily O'Daniels, junior; and Celeste Harris, senior.
Outstanding awards were handed to: Victoria Betances, freshman; Cameron Carter, sophomore; Grace Bagshaw, junior; and Ally Ferber, senior.
Best of Shows awards were announced as: Cameron Carter, Beast and Rochester, leading actor; Kayley Herbruck, Jane, leading actress; Michael Kuhn, LeFou, best supporting actor; Haley Owen, La Bouche and Mrs. Reed, best supporting actress; Luke Secaur, D'Arque, best minor role actor; Marisa Vogel, Scatcherd, best minor role actress.
In Senior Awards, the award for Outstanding Technical Achievement is given to a senior who exhibits talent in the technical theatre skills, gives time and dedication to the technical aspects of theatre production for set construction, lights, sound and backstage work and relays a positive mental and working attitude. This year's recipient was Shawn Bianchini.
The Thespian of the Year award goes to the individual who has encouraged others and demonstrated leadership and enthusiasm for the productions, has done a great deal in deed and attitude to promote the theater programs and productions and has been a positive role model and is well respected by peers. Receiving the award this year was Emily Readle.
Outstanding Senior Achievement award goes to the student who has done the most to support and promote the theatre program as a positive force, has been involved in theater all four years of high school in performance and support work and has had a consistent attitude of promoting and supporting the theater program at WCHS. Shay Dixon was this year's recipient.
The announcement of officers for the troop for next year was made. Officers will be Kayley Herbruck, president; Liz Watson, vice president; Haley Coffman, clerk; Luke Secaur, treasurer; and Elizabeth Ailes, secretary.Dana McAfee, drama teacher and director, said, "The future of our organization depends on the dedication of all members and on the vision and the ingenuity of the officers. The members and officers of our troupe have selected you to direct our activities next year. It is my honor to confer upon you the charge of your offices in The International Thespian Society. I extend to you the trust of our members and of the Society in striving for the advancement of Theatre Arts in our school and in our community. Congratulations."
McAfee then presented the State Show Recognitions. Cameron Carter was announced as earning All Star Cast for regionals, and Kayley Herbruck earned First Place Performance.
