The Academy of Children's Theatre (ACT) took top honors at the Disney Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, Ga., on Jan. 14-15.
The local children's theatre troupe representing Shreveport and Bossier received Outstanding Production over 68 competing youth theatre groups from around the nation. They shared the stage with Broadway legends Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse (composer and lyricist of Annie) and the cast of the NBC television show SMASH.
Outstanding Production is the highest honor awarded at the festival.
The group performed selections from the Broadway musical “Once on This Island, Junior,” with a mixed race cast of 28 local student performers. In addition the company took several individual honors as well.
Kate Davis (Legacy Elementary) was named Best Actress in the Broadway Slam event. The group was chosen to perform "Mama Will Provide" on the main stage in front of the 3,000 in attendance. Student performers were Christian Dantes, Maddie Tinsley, Meagan Tinsley, Megan Jones, Gavin Jones, Brooke Reedy, Kolby Ledbetter, Carter Whitaker, Nia Savoy, Briana Richmond, Cara Watson, Rose Smoak, Zoey Lex, Sarah Vallacchi, Trey Jones, Josh Meyers, Emma Cate Dailey, Kate Davis, Lucia Boyd, Bailey Fielder, Elizabeth Ross, Courtney VanEaton, Trevor VanEaton, Madeline Wagnon, Sarah Terraciano, Saniyah Jones, Emma Snyder, and Caroline Laborde. The students represent Byrd, Captain Shreve, Huntington, Loyola, Evangel Christian Academy, Caddo Magnet High, Caddo Middle Magnet, Legacy Elementary, Benton Middle School, South Highlands, and Evangel Elementary.
The group is directed by Cynthia Hawkins Whitaker and Lauren Ross with Musical Direction by Daniel Ley and Vocal Coaching by Jan Reedy.
They will be performing “Once on This Island, Junior,” at East Bank Theatre in April and “Legally Blonde” at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse in June. Call 318-741-8310 for class information.
