Within the large cascade of talent within the halls of Perry, in the D-building resides a talented group of individuals: the theatre group. This year for the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards, there were finalists in four categories of the competition. The results of who won will be showcased on May 23, during a live streaming ceremony.

For best male lead, senior Manuel Edrozo is the finalist. For both best female lead and best vocalist, senior Sydney Volker takes the position. Sophomore Jonah Romanoff captures the finalist position for best supporting actor. For best sound, the duo of sophomores, Clara Harsen and Gannon Zapata, stand. 

Getting to one of these spots and getting noticed over hundreds of theatre members, both acting and tech, takes a lot of hard work and technique. 

Within the tech portion of theatre, there are a variety of areas that require attention to be able to put the show together: lighting, sound, sets, scene changes, and more. Zapata and Harsen worked together to create sound impressive enough to become finalists. 

“One of the main techniques that I used was teamwork, I collaborated with Gannon Zapata another fellow techie and 10th grader,” Harsen stated. “We split up the work during the show, him taking care of the mics and me the sound effects and music. Hard work also helped me get to this spot as I spent many nights reading and marking up my script when I should’ve been sleeping.” 

On the theatrics side of the spectrum, practice is just as important when it comes to your voice, blocking, projection, and more. To be able to be a finalist in the categories that three Perry students stand in, mastering these areas with consistent determination is a necessity.

“As far as technique goes, never stop training. Wether that be one private, a group chorus at school, a youtube video, stay practicing,” Volker noted. “Be confident in your skills but humble enough to know that there is much more room for growth.”

Life consists of lessons that involve growth, this is no different in the arts. To be able to be seen and heard, actors and techies have to work hard, even past normal hours, to grasp the attention of the audience, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

“I would say for anyone that wants to be recognized for [their] work just make sure to surround yourself with supportive people and just have as much fun as possible,” Romanoff noted.

Having a good support system is important when working towards your goals, practicing means being able to show others your talents and receiving feedback to improve, which is a large part of theatre. Whether this feedback is given in theatre and tech classes or when running through a show consistently for weeks on end. 

“My advice to members of Perry Theatre is to learn from your peers, rather than compete with peers. Perry is a handful of talented kids, and everyone brings something different. With that being said, always keep auditioning and trying,” Volker continued. “With a million no’s there is a possible yes. My yes lead me to two nominees, yet I have faced at least 50 rejections. Stay positive and take each no as the opportunity to work even harder. Lastly, have fun!!! Don’t take it too serious!!! All the roles and shows you are meant for will fall into place!”