‘Back to the ‘80s’ falls short of repeat Shuler success
Cast of “Back to the ‘80s” react to the long-awaited results of the Shuler Hensley Awards. The production failed to place in the nominations, but their reaction quickly turned to determination as the students look forward to next year.
This past Wednesday marked an important day for the drama department with the announcement of the 2019 Shuler Hensley Award winners. The drama department watched the results live in anticipation of attaining recognition of their show, “Back to the ‘80s.”
“Especially in the world of arts, you never know how its gonna go,” drama teacher Savahna Silvas said. “It’s through people’s opinion and there’s so much talent all around Georgia.”
The department failed to place in the awards, but the group did earn honorable mentions in both choreography and orchestra.
“I don’t at all feel snubbed, I feel like the kids did a great job and I am very proud of them regardless,” Silvas said. “They have a wonderful community that supports them and they are building a legacy and to me that is what is important.”
The Shuler Hensley Awards are musical theatre recognitions with 75 schools competing from around the state. The Starr’s Mill drama department’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” won multiple Shuler nominations last year, including awards in choreography, costume, and even the Shuler Showstopper Award. Due to the departments success last year, there were high hopes for this year’s results.
“I think even though we didn’t get placed, I enjoyed the show and the best part of the whole thing is that we can walk away from this and still be happy about the show we put on,” junior Scotty Hindy said.
Students involved in the drama program were more satisfied with putting on a great show than the award itself. The drama department’s response to the results is to try their best and to work even harder for their next opportunity to showcase their talents.
“It will drive us to push harder, and what it comes down to is our community, each other, and the cast,” junior Sydney Turnier said. “Everyone loved the show, and we loved the show, and we had a blast, so if a few judges don’t see that then we shouldn’t take it personally because I think the whole point of the show is to have fun and provide entertainment for our community.”
The students are not the only ones determined to push on and pursue their ambitions. This is only Silvas’ second year here at the Mill, and she is working toward her goal of establishing a longstanding program with a bright future. Along with her students, Silvas is already looking ahead at what opportunities may lie ahead to advance the drama department to be the best.