The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, The Shulers, is the ultimate competition for the drama programs in the state. The nominations were announced on March 21, and Starr’s Mill earned eight nominations along with honorable mentions.
The program earned nominations in the following categories: Best Music Direction, Best Choreography, Best Sound, Best Costumes, Best Performance by a Leading Actress, Best Supporting Performer, Best Featured Performer, and Best Overall Production.
“It’s a huge deal, again that label in itself, being nominated in that category [Best Overall Production] basically says, for this year at least, that we are one of the top six schools in the state, which is huge,” drama director Lauren Kuykendall said. “It says a lot about our students, and it makes me really proud.”
Last year, the drama program put together the production of “Anastasia,” and earned seven nominations. The program also won Best Choreography, and performed live at the awards.
While earning one more nomination than last year, this year’s production also includes three scholarship winners. Senior Charlie Rosenberger, Senior Kaitlyn Williams, and Senior Badriya Hampton all applied for scholarships and won.
Rosenberger won the Georgia Ensemble Theatre Scholarship of $600. Williams won The Samit and Mia Roy Scholarship of $1,250. Hampton won the Smiley for Kylie Scholarship of $1000.
“It’s nice to be rewarded when you put in a lot of hard work,” Williams said.
The drama program will perform “The Ball” musical number live at the Shulers. Williams, the nominated leading actress, will also perform solo on stage.
The Shuler awards are streaming live on April 18. Tune in at 8 p.m. on any GPB station to watch the full event.