NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Recess
The Albany High School Theatre Ensemble came out on top May 19 at the High School Musical Theatre Awards, taking home four wins out of six nominations.
The Theatre Ensemble’s March production of “Hairspray” won best actress, best musical, best technical execution and best choreography execution.
A total of 23 area schools took part in the event, which is analogous to the Tony Awards but for the high-school set.
Albany High junior Annabelle Duffy won best actress for her portrayal feisty Tracy Turnblad. She will travel to New York City in June to participate in the Jimmy Awards, the national stage in which high school performers across the nation will act and sing.
In her acceptance, Duffy tearfully thanked her family and the “Hairspray” cast, crew and orchestra. She gave a special shout out to Theatre Ensemble Director Ward Dales, “Hairspray” Director Gregory Theodore Marsh and theater arts teacher Noelle Gentile.
“You inspire me every day. You gave me the encouragement to believe I am enough. And you gave me the criticism so I can stay grounded. I love you guys,” Duffy said.
The show “Hairspray,” she said, celebrates our differences.
“I would like to dedicate this award to anyone who has been made to feel ‘less than’ because of your race, for your body, for anything you cannot control, anything like that. You are beautiful, you are seen you are appreciated, and I love you,” she said in her closing comments.
The annual High School Musical Theatre Awards ceremony was coordinated by the School of the Performing Arts at Proctors.
You can check out a Times Union video of the awards ceremony here.
The mission of the City School District of Albany is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves more 9,600 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.
