Kingston-St.Lawrence District Sears Drama Festival 2011
Hosted by K.C.V.I.
Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute is hosting the 2011 Kingston St. Lawrence District round of the Sears Drama Festival. The KCVI Drama Club led by President Hannah Smith and Vice Presidents Megan Ready-Walters and Alex Whitehead are responsible for much of the organizing and hosting of the event supported by KCVI drama teacher; Mister Kevin Fraser. Talia Harrison-Marcassa and Tessa Maddam are co-festival stage managers. Both are former KCVI students and both of them are currently enrolled at Ryerson in Toronto.
Wellington Street Theatre
Unfortunately, at this time, the KCVI auditorium is undergoing seat renovations so the festival will be held for the second time in five years at The Wellington Street Theatre at the corner of Johnson and Wellington Streets in downtown Kingston. The Wellington Street Theatre is an old neo-gothic church which was built over 150 years ago. Space will be a little cramped, but that shouldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the many young actors, backstage crew, teachers, parents and friends.
The Adjudicator
Ian Malcolm is the district festival adjudicator this year. Mister Malcolm has adjudicated several festival rounds since his retirement from teaching a few years ago. Mister Malcolm has a reputable history as a director and actor in community theatre. One thing Mister Malcolm takes note of is the voice of the actor, the vocal line and whether or not the dialogue is clear. This present a bit of a problem at The Wellington where there is an echo, so clarity is at a premium.
What to look for
It is a good thing for teachers to encourage their students to see as many of the shows as possible. Students and teachers can always learn from how other schools approach performances and how the adjudicator values different approaches to theatre. One can always learn from what works, but also from what doesn't. Often what doesn't work is simply a case of being too ambitious, never a bad thing. Taking artistic risks is what artists can do when they are young. That helps to shape who they become in the future.
What future stars will be participating in this year's festival? For many kids, this is where it all begins.
