RMS drama team excels

RMS Drama students recently earned superior and excellent ratings at the Alabama State Thespian Festival. Front row L to R: Jake Williams, Grace Smith, Rachel Balding, Kira Morrow, Baillie Bonn and Josh Williams. Back row L to R: Kourtney Joyner, Allie McClellan, Blaze Bishop, Shannea Flanagan and Morgan George.

For the second year in a row, Russellville Middle School Drama students shined at the Alabama State Thespian Festival that took place Feb. 24 and 25 at Troy University.
RMS was the only middle school represented at the competition but they still managed to hold their own against high school students from across the state.
“The talent we have in our community always shows well no matter where we go,” RMS drama instructor Patrice Smith said. “They always do a great job and you can really tell by how well they perform how much they value this theater experience.”
In addition to the competition aspect of the festival, students were also able to participate in workshops to hone their skills such as Swashbuckling, Sound Effects 101, Drama Games, Drawing to Fool the Eye, Jazz, Contemporary Dance and Hip Hop.
All the dance classes were taught by Jill Wilson and Jacob Jonas, both of Paula Abdul’s dance competition show “Live to Dance.”
Participation in the various workshops is something eighth grader Rachel Balding thought was very beneficial.
“By going to all these different workshops, it lets us see some of the ideas other people have,” Balding said. “It gives us more knowledge and experience that will help us in the future.”
“The workshops show us that there is so much more to drama than just performing,” said eighth grade student Kira Morrow. “It helps you find the things you’re really good at and prepares you for college and later in life.”
Smith said the preparation her students receive at these festivals is invaluable experience and networking they might not find anywhere else.
“There aren’t as many opportunities locally to learn these skills and showcase them and here they can learn from people all over the country,” Smith said. “I’m just thankful that Mr. [Frankie] Hammock and the rest of the administration makes sure we have these opportunities. He knows how important this is to our students.
Several of the RMS students took home honors and awards from the festival, further proving their talent among so many others across the state.
In the Solo Female Vocal category, Blaze Bishop and Shannea Flanagan earned superior ratings, which qualifies them both for the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Neb.; in the Costume Design category, Rachel Balding placed second in the state and earned a superior rating, qualifying her for the International Thespian Festival; in the Theatre Marketing category, Kira Morrow earned an excellent rating; in the Make-Up Design category, Kira Morrow earned a superior rating, qualifying her for the International Thespian Festival; in the Pantomime category, brothers Jake and Josh Williams earned a superior rating for their pantomime titled “Man in the Mirror” and earned a qualification for the International Thespian Festival; Kourtney Joyner also earned an excellent rating in the Pantomime category for her pantomime titled “The Pizza Girl;” in the Troupe Display category, team leader Kira Morrow and team members Rachel Balding, Allie McClellan, Kourtney Joyner, Grace Smith, Baillie Bonn, Morgan George, Josh Williams, Jake Williams, Blaze Bishop and Shannea Flanagan all earned a superior rating.
In addition to these honors, Balding was also selected to be a lead cast member in Stephen Gregg’s new one-act play, “This is a Text.” Smith said Balding was part of the very first performance of this play and will be listed as an original cast member.
“I am so proud of these students and the hard work they have put in throughout this school year,” Smith said. “They are so talented and I think you’ll see great things from them.”