Niwot High School theater students celebrate success

Niwot High School's theater department held its annual Theater Banquet on Friday, May 9, celebrating the actors and technical theater crew for their accomplishments this school year, which included producing "Murder on the Orient Express" and "Footloose." Students were treated to a banquet of food while playing rounds of "Family Feud." Many students took to the microphone to touch the hearts of their peers.

Nine awards were given to students from their peers, spanning all grade levels and specialties. Best Actor, Actress, and Comic went to Ash Kissinger, Prugh Dunfee, and Miles Shaw respectively. Camryn Bell received the Most Welcoming award.

The underclassman Rising Star awards went to Elyse Prestopnik and Tula Baker for their improvements, and the Shooting Star award for the senior who has most embodied the theatre program went to Grace DeRose.

The technical theater crew award recipients included Jay Herring as Most Valuable Beginner, Colton Robinson as Most Improved Intermediate, and Sara Taylor who received the Über Tech Award.

"Theater is, in my opinion, the most impactful form of art that one can experience." said Pali Sauer, next year's Student President of the theater department. "I'm so grateful for the incredible team of people who have stepped up to be leaders...Everyone is important, and everyone deserves to be seen."

Her speech was met with thundering applause, and it was clear just how much each member of this team cared for one another.

The Production Director and faculty lead for the theater department, Laura Walters, said, "Both of our productions were incredibly successful this year, and I think any students that are incoming to the program will see the dedication and push for excellence from our students."

She elaborated, "We have so many amazing performers and technical theater students. So many take on huge leadership roles that are key to the success of our program, and I think the way everyone builds each other up will just be super inspiring for those interested in joining the program."

The tight-knit and caring community of students are committed to continuing the NHS theater tradition of excellence after the graduation of several senior leaders.

At the end of the event, students gave short speeches directly to the departing seniors, elaborating about their valuable contributions to the productions and how much they will be missed.

While the crew expressed confidence and excitement for next year, Walters summed up the spirit of the theater department when she said, "Our group of theater students are so very passionate about each production and are working so hard to be welcoming to everyone. Our shows are incredible on a professional level, and with high expectations and a welcoming environment, our program will hopefully continue to thrive, evolve and be even better."