Story by student reporter Casey Buckman.
A recent theatrical competition gave Thomas County Central High School actors an opportunity to both hone their skills and learn about an important historical tragedy within American industry.
TCCHS Drama students recently competed against other schools in GHSA Region 1-AAAAA One Act Competition with their one act play, “These Shining Lives” by Melanie Marnich. The play ranked fourth in the competition, which took place Oct. 29.
Two seniors, Kendra Anderson and Lillie Horton, were selected as All Star Cast members.
"It means that I was being recognized as being a distinguished actress,” Kendra Anderson said of the honor. "The award makes me feel like I did a good job because we worked really hard to get the production together. It makes me feel accomplished."
The one act play is the TCCHS Drama department’s fall production. The community previewed the play during a local showcase held at Thomasville Center of the Arts.
“I chose this play because I saw that I had a group of strong female actors and this is a show that really showcases each of their strengths in different ways,” drama teacher Gabrielle Hortman said.
“These Shining Lives” is based on the work of real people who were Radium Dial workers. The female characters were actual women who participated in such work and who died due to the poisoning.
Students from fourth period Advanced Drama, along with a few from Hortman’s first and second period classes, participated in the production. Hortman wanted her students to love the show and its story as much as she does.
“I think there is a certain element that drew the kids into the show because of how the lines are written, they have a very lyrical flow to them and are pleasing to the ear,” she said. “I also wanted the kids to be aware of the overall story because the characters they are playing were real women and men.”
Actors and crew also spent a few rehearsals watching videos about the Radium Dial workers to bring the play’s truth to the students, the teacher adds.
This is Hortman’s first year teaching drama at TCCHS. Students have expressed excitement over working alongside her.
“I participated in the play because I have always loved acting,” junior Cheyenne Owens said with a genuine smile. “I was also really eager to work with our new drama teacher, Ms. Hortman.”
Now that the one act has wrapped, Hortman and her students will turn their attention toward preparing for the spring musical.
“I think these kids have come such a long way since August when the cast list came out,” Hortman said. “I am so proud of each of them and I can't wait to work on the spring musical with them!”