SEQUIM –– Nominated for five honors, the cast and crew of Sequim High School’s operetta “Footloose” earned no awards at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre’s 2013 5th Avenue Awards: Honoring High School Musical Theater, but they did come home with an extra dose of inspiration.
“It was a very good experience for the kids,” said Jim Stoffer, publicity manager for the Sequim High Operetta Club. “Hopefully, this gives them a little extra inspiration to keep going and to keep trying to improve.”
Awards were given out in 21 categories, and 5th Avenue staff estimated more than 2,200 students attended the ceremony Tuesday, June 11.
“They did a great job staging the awards ceremony,” Stafford said.
The Sequim production was one of 105 viewed by 5th Avenue staff at 88 schools throughout the state.
“A lot of those schools have dedicated drama programs, where we are a club activity here,” Stafford said. “That makes a real difference in the resources, but we’re really proud of all the volunteers that help with the operetta every year.”
Ian Houghton, a freshman, was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actor or Actress in a non-singing role for his portrayal of Principal Clark in “Footloose.”
The award went to Larkin Bassett of Olympia High School for his role as Jeff Douglas in “Brigadoon.”
Sequim students Hailey Brock, Kathryn Lorentzen and Anne Lorentzen were nominated for Outstanding Ensemble group for their performance as the girls trio. That award went to University High School’s Rebels in “Urinetown.”
The Sequim production was nominated for awards for Outstanding Orchestra, Outstanding Costume Design and Outstanding Lobby Display.
Orchestra honors went to Hockinson High School for “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
The costume award went to Zillah High School for “Seussical.”
Lewis and Clark High School’s production of “In the Heights” won the lobby award.
Hanford High School took home top honors at with the award for Outstanding Overall Musical Production for “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
The award ceremony was webcast live on The 5th Avenue Facebook page, and also will be broadcast on TVW. Visit www.tvw.org for air dates and times.
Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Joe Smillie can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or at jsmillie@peninsuladaily
news.com.