South Mississippi High Schools Advance to State Drama Competition

Four South Mississippi high schools performed well enough in regional competition last month to earn spots in the state drama festival set for Jan. 13-16 in Meridian, Miss.

The high schools and their respective plays included the following:

• Oak Grove High School, “Inuk.”
• Biloxi High School, “Beware the Jabberwock.”
• Ocean Springs High School, “Children of a Lesser God.”
• Pearl River High School, “Fearful Symmetry.”

The schools advanced to state competition after participating in the South Mississippi Regional High School Drama Festival held on the Southern Miss campus last month.

“We had over 800 people here for this year's drama festival. That's 800 people who came to our campus, had a great experience and will want to come back for more,” said Tom Hardy, program director for the event. “The plays showcased just how talented our young people can be.”

In addition to state level honors, individual award were also presented to the following South Mississippi schools:

• Biloxi High School – Makeup
• Hancock High School – Outstanding Use of Live Music and Best Actress (Amanda Walley)
• Mississippi School of the Arts – Outstanding Student Playwright/Director (Bethany Kinney)
• Oak Grove High School – Glen Menna Festival Spirit Award, Outstanding Direction (Suzanne Allmon) and Best Costume Design (Kaz Zumbro)
• Ocean Springs High School – Best Actor (James Leeds)
• Pearl River Central High School – Best Scenic Design, Technical Achievement and Best Ensemble Acting
• South Jones High School – Outstanding Performance Artist (Kevin Grayson), Best Supporting Actor (Matthew Adamo)

The South Mississippi Regional High School Drama Festival is a collaboration between the Mississippi Theatre Association, the Southern Miss Theatre and Dance Department and the Southern Miss Office of Professional Development and Educational Outreach. For more information call the Office of Professional Development and Educational Outreach at 601-266-4186.