GCPS Theatre Program wins big at the Shuler Awards

     The Peachtree Ridge High School Theatre Program has earned Georgia Musical Theatre “Shuler” Awards.

     The theatre program won “Best Ensemble,” for the production of “42nd Street,” by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. In addition, drama teacher Courtney Chitwood Ondre was recognized for “Best Choreography,” and in the category of “Best Costumes,” along with Peachtree Ridge High seniors Joelle Kilson and Madelyn Zopf. When learning about the nominations, Ondre said it was exciting to feel so much emotion with everyone together backstage, though they were unable to really express themselves because there was still a live show going on.

     “The awards really made us feel important because we worked extremely hard on costumes, and all the kids in the ensemble did their jobs knowing that every space on the stage mattered,” Ondre adds. “It was surprising to be against other powerhouse schools with students who had more experience than us on stage at the Shuler Awards and in performance in general to hold our own as a cast on the stage.”

     Named in honor of Georgia native actor and singer Shuler Hensley, the Shuler Awards celebrate excellence in theatre at the high school level. The event took place in April at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and was broadcast statewide on GPB Television.

     Before the group secured their wins, Peachtree Ridge High was nominated in seven categories at the Shuler Awards:

Overall Production Nominees: Peachtree Ridge High School — 42nd Street

Best Direction: Courtney Chitwood Ondre

Best Choreography: Courtney Chitwood Ondre

Best Ensemble: Peachtree Ridge High School

Best Lighting Design: Brandon Chitwood and Courtney Chitwood Ondre

Best Scenic Design: Brandon Chitwood and Courtney Chitwood Ondre

Best Costumes: Courtney Chitwood Ondre, Joelle Kilson, and Madelyn Zopf

     Celebrating excellence in high school musical theatre across Georgia, the Shuler Awards recognize student achievement onstage and behind the scenes, connecting classrooms to center stage through ArtsBridge Foundation’s statewide arts education initiatives.

Photos provided by Rick Fender.