MADISON – Judges at the 2023 District 1 Trumbauer Theatre Festival gave accolades drama students at Madison high schools.

Among the awards, the one-act plays by Bob Jones and James Clemens advanced for adjudication at the State Trumbauer Drama Festival.

“Jesse Tilton and I are thrilled that this play was selected to advance to state!” drama teacher Mary Davis said. “The play, ‘Where Words Once Were,’ is a thought-provoking, dystopian play about the importance of the words we use, and how important the freedom to choose our words is a gift we too often take for granted.”

The play’s subtitle is “A play about language and its absences.”

“We were awarded ‘Best Technical Design,’” Davis said. “The set feels like it has a life of its own, transforming many times throughout the show.”

Also at the District 1 Festival, Bob Jones won “Best in Show” for “Where Words Once Were.” Students Harley Dauma and Drayton Walker were named members of the “All Star Cast.” Jaxon McClanathan earned the “Best Supporting Actor” award.

In the Individual Events or IEs, 99 performances earned a Superior ranking, and 87 Bob Jones students’ events are continuing to the state contest.

To witness the one-act play before state competition, Bob Jones Theatre will present their “Benefit Show 2023” and perform “Where Words Once Were” on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in Zompa Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students; tickets will be sold at the door.

Davis thanked Huntsville High School for an excellent job as host of the district festival. For more information, visit Facebook/Bob Jones Theatre.

“We are blessed across our district with the best fine arts teachers,” MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said about District 1 theatre results.

Also delivering stellar performances, students in James Clemens Theatre qualified to advance to state competition with their one-act play,

“What a massive weekend for James Clemens Theatre (at district competition)!” drama teacher Amy Patel said. “We are so, so proud of all of the work our students put in, and we cannot wait to cheer on our friends at state.” Bryan Comer works as Technical Director for James Clemens Theatre.

James Clemens’ one-act play is “Scenes from Metamorphoses” by Mary Zimmerman and based on the myths of Ovid. “Step into a world where myths come to life and view the depths of the characters within them. Witness stories of gods and mortals centered around a pool of water onstage! (In this) mesmerizing production, ancient myths like King Midas and Narcissus meet contemporary theatre,” according to Facebook/James Clemens Theatre.

The awards stash for James Clemens includes “Top 3 Group Musical”; “Best Scenic Design”; “Best Costumes”; “Best Leading Performer,” Connery Patel, Simon Tsikalas; and “Best Supporting Performer,” Lorelei Mueller, Berkeley Preer.

In the individual events, James had 61 entries that won Superior ratings. From that group, 51 IEs advanced to compete at the state festival. Some students even qualified for state in multiple events.

Bob Jones and James Clemens actors and tech crews will enter Walter J. Trumbauer State Drama Festival at the University of North Alabama on Dec. 1-2.