RICHFIELD—After three days of competing, the North Sanpete High School tied for first place at the 3A state theater festival last week.
Both North Sanpete and Union High scored 1,500 points, so both teams were given trophies for their achievements. Seventeen schools participated in the competition.
“It’s the first time in USHAA history that North Sanpete High School has won,” said Alex Barlow, drama instructor for North Sanpete High. “Twenty-one out of our 24 pieces received a superior score of 65 or higher.”
Thirty-one North Sanpete drama students participated in the state competition.
Manti places third
Meanwhile, Manti High School placed third, with one of its students, Ali Hatch, placing first in dramatic monologues, as well as winning best supporting actress in a one-act play.
“Ali Hatch has a natural ability to portray a character. She has great facial expressions and a natural variety to her voice,” said Kory Howard, drama instructor at Manti High. “She can display emotions realistically and in a way that draws people in and commands attention.”
Barlow said the North Sanpete drama team had less time to prepare than usual because of being out of the classroom part of the year due to Covid-19. North Sanpete wrapped up its musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” in February. “We only had a few weeks to prepare after our musical,” he said.
Barlow said participating in a high school drama teaches students important life skills that can help them in whatever career path they choose.
“Drama helps to build their confidence and self-esteem,” he said, “and it also helps them to cope with rejection.” Some of his students did not receive a medal, even though they put a huge effort into preparing for the competition.
“You can learn so much through failure, such as where you need to refine your work in order to better compete the next time.” Learning resilience will help students in numerous aspects of their lives, he said.
