Bobcat drama takes first at state

The Hot Springs County High School Drama Club recently participated in the Wyoming State Thespian Festival (previously named Wyoming State Drama Competition) and returned as State Champions in 1A/2A for the second year in a row.

Twenty-four students went to the festival and were entered into 15 different categories.

They brought home 18 AllState Medals and 11 Honorable Mention Certificates.

The following students received a Superior rating and an AllState Medal: David Armstrong for 1st Year Publicity, Ashley Brawley for Solo Musical and Varsity Duet, Katie Burrows for Solo Musical and Varsity Duet, Hannah Hu for 4th Year Fantasy Makeup, Tyler Kay for 3rd Year Realistic Makeup, Karissa McGarvie-Balstad for 3rd Year Costume Design, Taydee Landrum for his One Act Performance, Karina Lea for Novice Monologue and 1st Year Costume Design, Ryan Miller for Sound Design and Sound for the One Act Performance, Ryan Mosser for 1st Year Lighting Design, Aime Robinson for Solo Musical, Madeline Wagler for Novice Monologue, Elizabeth Wagstaff for 3rd Year Costume Design, and Jean-Luc Willson for Stage Management and Varsity Monologue.

The following students received an Excellent Rating and an Honorable Mention Certificate: Ashley Brawley for Group Musical, Brooklyn Brown for Costume Construction, Katie Burrows for Group Musical, Tyler Kay for Group Musical, Karissa McGarvie-Balstad for Varsity Monologue, Taydee Landrum for Solo Musical and Group Musical, Kyle Mosser for Group Musical, Ryan Mosser for Lighting for the One Act Performance, and Aime Robinson for Group Musical.

“Every student who went worked hard and received valuable feedback to improve in their categories,” coach Mary McGillivray said. “Many students received perfect scores and quite a few were the top scores in their categories.

“They were able to go to workshops and see other performances from groups around the state. They all performed extremely well and I received many compliments about how amazingly talented, respectful, and kind each one of them are.

“I am so proud of them and all of the hard work and skill they showed. We would not have done as well if not for each and every one of the students performing as well as they did!”