Charles City drama students recognized for outstanding production

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City theater students will be recognized by the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards for their outstanding work on last November’s performance of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

The theater department will be participating in the Des Moines Performing Arts awards showcase on Thursday, June 1, at 7 p.m., where they will be among 94 schools recognized for their performances.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was named both an Outstanding Ensemble and awarded Outstanding Overall Production, the highest award given to a high school musical production, and the cast will perform an excerpt of the show during the awards showcase.

Individually, Outstanding Performance Awards were given to Anders Haglund, Teagan Prigge, Sophia Jensen and Kaity Heckers.

“This is an extremely dedicated group of students,” said drama instructor Derek Sturtevant. “Their drive was evident in their rehearsals and performances. They were constantly pushing themselves to improve and make their character come to life. I am so grateful to each of them for their commitment to excellence.”

Special Recognition Awards were also given to Harper McInroy, Jacob Diers, and Blake Hoeft. Hannah DeVore was also given a Special Recognition Award and has been selected to serve as a student assistant stage manager for the showcase, working alongside the professional team behind the scenes.

Anders Haglund, Teagan Prigge, Sophia Jensen and Kaity Heckers will also participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students.

“Being in the triple threat medley and performing at the Civics Center is literally a dream,” said Heckers. “I am looking forward to working with like-minded theater nerds at a very fast pace.”

Select students in the theater department will represent Charles City by performing in a collaborative medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer and students will also have the opportunity to audition for theater camp scholarships and to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City later this summer.

Teachers and students said they are excited about participating in the showcase, especially for the opportunity to demonstrate the talent developed in a smaller town like Charles City. Of the nine schools performing excerpts during the showcase, Charles City is one of the two that are not in the 4A category.

“Working with these students has made me a better educator and director,” said Sturtevant. “I have also been incredibly fortunate to work with a team of professionals that brings so much passion and expertise to our drama department.”

“This would not have been possible without my amazing directors, Michelle Grob and Derek Sturtevant,” said Heckers. “They deserve endless recognition for their hard work.”