MERRILLVILLE — Andrean Theatre Company has had a banner year, winning accolades at a state competition and selected to represent Indiana at a national festival in Nebraska in June.
Andrean High School senior Sandy Akers became acquainted with the performance stage during third grade at St. Bridget’s School in Hobart. She was so impressed with the atmosphere that, as she went on to appear in many more plays at the school, she decided a career in performing arts was definitely in her future.
“When I was choosing my high school, I researched their theater departments,” she said at a recent rehearsal with others in the Andrean Theatre Company. “This was very important to me. I wanted to gain as much experience as possible with a good program.”
After attending plays and musicals at area high schools, the aspiring actress believed Andrean High School offered what she was looking for. Indeed, she has acquired much experience and accolades in the past four years.
Along with fellow theater students, one such award was the designation in October of Best Actress at Indiana Regional Competition at Huntington University. Fellow cast member Ogunde Snelling, a freshman, came away with honors for Best Supporting Actor at that same competition.
In fact, 2014 was a banner year for the entire Andrean Theatre Company.
“Andrean has had a theater company for a number of years, but this is only my second year running the program and our first year competing,” said Stephen Grabek, who serves as English teacher, drama teacher and theater director. “The awards and recognition that we are winning this year has been amazing, truly.”
In October, members of the Andrean Theatre Company presented to the school and the public “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged,” a fast-paced romp through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 90 minutes.
They took the show to the Indiana Regional Competition at Huntington University, placed second, and advanced to the state competition. During regional competition, only 12 schools’ shows advanced to the state level.
In addition to their performances, Grabek’s students also have grown on a personal level, according to Grabek.
“Theater can do wonders for students. Studies prove that those involved in fine arts are generally higher scoring than students not involved in fine arts,” he said. “In addition, theater is a very welcoming place. We draw in students of every culture, clique and grade level. My students know that the theater is a safe place, without judgment. We are a family, and a family always supports one another.”
Other Andrean students received honors during the state competition Jan. 23 in Indianapolis.
Junior Mark Judge received the Best Actor award for the state and earned a Superior Ribbon in Experienced Solo Music Performance.
Senior Sandy Akers earned a Superior ribbon in Experienced Solo Music Performance.
Freshmen Tessa Boby and Zachary Scalzitti earned an Excellent Ribbon in Duet Acting Performance, and sophomore Patrick Librandi earned an Excellent Ribbon in Scenic Design.
While in Indianapolis for the state contest, the Andrean High School Theatre Company offered its performance of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged,” and placed third in the state.
In addition to the show placing, the Andrean Theatre Company was been selected to represent Indiana in the Chapter Select Showcase at the National Thespian Festival in June. This event takes place at the University of Lincoln, Neb.
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Grabek is impressed with how much the students have grown throughout the process of developing their winning product.
“They work in harmony as an ensemble and that is the reason that this production is so successful,” he said. “There is no star or room for arguing. Awards are all well and good, but the kids have become a family. That is what I’m most proud of.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.