On May 23, the Theatre Department held an awards ceremony for the best of the 2016-2017 lineup.

Students gathered in the Center for Performing Arts for a night dedicated to theatre. Many Penny Awards were given out, and several students were inducted into the Thespian Society, an international organization that recognizes and honors achievements by middle and high school students in the theatre arts. The award winners that night were:

Best New Face: Amanda Feder

Best Stage Manager: Jay Jeffcoat (for Kiss Me Kate)

Best 24-Hour Theatre Show: Please Don’t Touch My Cat

Best Chorus Member: DeCarla Thomspon

Using Your Head (Best Stage Combat): Maggie Baert (forĀ A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedic Role: Gabby Biggs

Senior Impact Award: Emmi Meyer and Miranda Hans

Technician of the Year: Ashley Talcott

All Star Tech Crew: Hannah Keeler, Gary Babcoke, Killian Braunsdorf, Alex Buford, Ashley Talcott, Olivia Taylor, DeCarla Thompson, Jay Jeffcoat, Elizabeth Carrier, Jordyn Cozart, and Miranda Hans

Best Hugs Ever: Bryce Yoder

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedic Role: Tony Bode

In A Pinch (Stepped Up When Needed): Kala Key

Best Leading Actress in a Comedic Award: Anna Vukmirovich

Outstanding Technician: Alex Buford

Best Leading Actor in a Comedic Role: Easton Meyer

Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Role: Hannah Keeler

Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Role: Jake Callender

Awesome Makeup Crew: Jordan Cozart and Emmi Meyer

Senior Thespian Award: Ashley Talcott

Senior Dramatics Award: Hannah Keeler

Best Thespian Award: Elizabeth Carrier

Best Leading Actress in a Dramatic Role: Amanda Feder

Best Leading Actor in a Dramatic Role: Jake Callender

Congratulations to all who won a Penny Award!

Jake Callender, a senior in the class of 2017, won Best Supporting and Leading Actor in a Dramatic Role. “I am shocked, I wasn’t expecting it,” he said about his wins. “But I’m very thankful, and I’m very happy I got the opportunity to perform with everyone in all the shows this year.”

Mr. Dutton also announced that he would be retiring at the end of this school year. He has taught English, Speech, and Debate classes for the last 44 years. He also directed many plays at Penn High School. He will be missed among the Penn Thespians.

By Kevin McNulty

Kevin McNulty teaches English and Mass Media Studies at Penn High School. He advises the Penn News Network and manages the PNN Studio and news room. For more information, navigate your browser to www.massmediastudies.net.