Comox Valley Schools celebrate success at North Island Regional Drama Festival
The North Island Regional Drama Festival, hosted by GP Vanier Secondary over three exciting days, was a resounding success. Eight schools participated, showcasing a diverse array of performances and engaging in a variety of workshops ranging from sword fighting, musical theatre, singing, lighting, sound, special effects, makeup, and dancing. Comox Valley Schools impressed with their outstanding contributions to the festival.
Nanaimo District Secondary School’s (NDSS) poignant production, “Going Under,” which tells the story of the SS Valencia wreck through dance and movement, was selected to represent the region at the Provincial Drama Festival in May. Highland Secondary’s powerful play, “Girls Like That,” was chosen as the runner-up and will represent the region at the Provincials.
GP Vanier Secondary’s challenging play about a young woman named “Alcy,” who suffers from nightmares and sleep paralysis due to psychological trauma, received multiple awards. The production featured both international and local students in complex roles, earning accolades for:
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble
- Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design – Dawson Spain
- Outstanding Achievement in Sound – Dawson Spain and Lori Mazey
- Outstanding Achievement in Costumes – Savannah Humphrey and the cast
- Outstanding Achievement in Set Design – the cast and crew
- Choice of Subject Matter
- Outstanding Achievement in Overall Production Design
- Dawson Spain was also recognized for excellence in technical leadership, assisting all participating schools with their lighting and sound needs.
Mark R. Isfeld Secondary’s student-directed play, “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse,” also garnered several awards, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of the students involved. Awards included:
- Outstanding Achievement in Student Direction – Aaron Baker
- Outstanding Achievement in Set Components and Design – Lilia Spencer
- Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design and Coordination – Ensemble
- Outstanding Achievement in Props – Aelyn Chang-Slomp
- Outstanding Achievement in Makeup – Bella Lyons
- Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management – Zan Oliphant
- Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Operation – Liam Bugslag
Highland Secondary’s “Girls Like That” not only secured the alternate position for the Provincial Drama Festival but also won numerous awards:
- Outstanding Achievement in Ensemble Acting
- Outstanding Achievement in Onstage Violence (fully supported by all design elements)
- Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design
- Outstanding Achievement in Costumes
- Outstanding Achievement in Risk and Choice of Material for Presentation
- Outstanding Achievement in Sustained Vocal Clarity and Energy (Commitment and Momentum)
- Outstanding Achievement in Soundscape
Grade nine student Nella Williams was honoured for outstanding achievement as an Assistant Stage Manager.
In addition to the mainstage performances, GP Vanier Secondary hosted two days of Fringe festivals, featuring song and dance, scenes, and original writing, further enriching the festival experience.
Comox Valley Schools is proud of the achievements of our students and the dedication of teachers and technical staff. The North Island Regional Drama Festival not only highlighted the incredible talent within the region but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and creativity among the participating schools.
