MADISON – Judges at the state-level Walter Trumbauer Theatre Festival selected Bob Jones High School to represent Alabama at Southeastern Theatre Conference or SETC in Lexington, Ky. on March 1-5, 2023.

This year, Bob Jones’ cast and crew performed “Opening Night for the Diva” for their one-act play in the state-level competition against high schools from across Alabama. The state competition was held at Troy University during the weekend of Dec. 2.

“We had four All-Star Cast members — Harley Dauma, Dylan Henrie, Saige Keck and Marcello Mancusi,” Bob Jones drama teacher and director Mary Davis said. Davis handles the on-stage ensemble of actors, while her colleague Jesse Tilton mentors the ‘techies’ or technical crew.

In addition, Bob Jones’ Dylan Henrie won the “Best Supporting Actor” honor, and seamstresses earned the “Best Costumes” award.

“This show is an original one-act, written by our very own Jesse Tilton! The fact that we won with an original script is extra sweet,” Davis said.

In various events, the following individuals and duets from Bob Jones placed at the state level:

* First-place winners — Alyssa Murley/Sam Klasing; George Lifambe; and Steven Rogers/Quincy Wiggins.

* Second-place winners — Marcello Mancusi; Ashley Maggert; Drayton Walker/Carson Cartwright; and Tatianna Mikel/Harley Dauma.

* Third-place winners — Anthony Rivera/Ava Dickdow; Carson Cartwright; James Cairns; Tevin Sheehy; Lizzy Brady/Marissa Tuggle; Evan Willis/Dylan Henrie; and Dylan Henrie/Liam Robertson.

“All 10 states represented at SETC send two shows,” Davis said. “At the SETC Secondary School Festival, we will be competing with 19 other plays — the very best that each state has to offer,” Davis said.

“Bob Jones is the last Alabama high school to have brought home the SETC win (2015), and we hope to repeat this incredible achievement in the spring,” Davis said. Bob Jones also is the only school in the Southeastern Theatre Conference to win “Best in Show” three times.

“With the hotel, bus and registration fees, the trip will cost each student $650. For the 50 students who will attend, that is $32,500. While it is an incredible honor to win, this is a daunting amount, and we will be fundraising a lot in order to afford this honor!” Davis said.

Along with other fundraising activities, Bob Jones will present two performances in February 2023. “The first performance — a kind of cabaret or revue — will be on Feb. 9-10, which is perfect for an early Valentine’s Day date. The second performance will be an encore benefit showing of the winning one-act on Feb. 28 — the day before we depart for SETC!” Davis said.

“We will also be asking businesses for sponsorships, looking for donations for a silent auction and will have a LeanStream account set up through the Central Office for people who wish to donate or sponsor a student,” Davis said.

For more information on giving opportunities, email Davis at mdavis@madisoncity.k12.al.us.

SETC is in its 74th year of educating and judging high-school teams who have reached the pinnacle of success in their respective states. SETC in Lexington will gather on March 1-5, 2023.