This past weekend I attended and participated in the Northwest OCTA Conference. The Ohio Community Theatre Association holds Conferences in 5 different regions of Ohio. Community Theatres are invited to submit excerpts from a show that was produced in the past season of productions. Each excerpt is limited to 5 minutes total to strike the set and 40 minutes to set up and perform the excerpt.
Each excerpt is then critiqued by 3 total responders/adjudicators. After all of the excerpts have been performed the adjudicators then meet and discuss and decide who will win certain awards. There are acting, musical performance, makeup, choreography, directing and overall performance awards given.
While I have mixed emotions about theatre being "graded", I do believe that there are certain theatrical basics that can be awarded and acknowledged based on their quality. Hence the Oscars, Tony's, etc.
The performance day is usually filled with anxiety and excitement. Our performance day was no exception. Would we set the stage and leave enough time for the performance? Would the lights and sound work without a hitch?
We presented an excerpt of "The Guys" by Anne Nelson. Rob Albach portrayed Fire Captain Nick and Jennifer Wertz was Joan. I am happy to say that both actors were exceptional and both won acting awards.
It was a long day- but in the end a very rewarding one. One of the adjudicators said that she thought we presented the piece with dignity and respect for the material. I agree and take that comment as one of our highest honors...
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