Homer Actors Win 2017 CRT Pavilion Awards

On Sunday, June 11th, Homer High School actors and actresses attended Cortland Repertory Theatre’s annual Pavilion Awards. CRT hosts this event each year with the purpose of encouraging theatre programs in local school districts. Six schools (Homer, Cortland, Groton, McGraw, Dryden, Tully) are invited to attend the ceremony.

Homer High School is lucky enough to host three theatrical performances per year. During the 2016-2017 school year, the Shakespearean Society produced The Tragedy of King Richard III in November 2016 and Much Ado About Nothing in May 2017. Homer also produced Seussical as its annual musical in March 2017. Richard III and Seussical received nominations for Best Play and Best Musical respectively.

The award ceremony is similar to the Tony Awards. Actors and actresses from each school district are nominated for various categories (Best Actor/Actress in a Musical, etc.). Anonymous CRT judges vote which nominee will receive the award. The lucky boy or girl is then asked to take the stage and give a short acceptance speech in front of family and friends.

This year, there were over fifteen Homer nominations in various categories. The winners in each category from Homer are listed as follows:

• Best Lead Actor in a Play: Drew Gustafson (senior)
• Best Lead Actress in a Play: Kaitlyn Clune (sophomore)
• Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Maddie Kote (junior)
• Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Reed Cleland (junior)
• Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Kate Halstead (senior)
• Best Featured Actor in a Play: Nate Johnson (freshman)
• Best Play: The Tragedy of King Richard III
• Best Ensemble in a Play: The Tragedy of King Richard III
• “Theatre As Education” Award: Seussical

In addition to these outstanding, the cast and crew of each production selected a deserving student to be recognized as the “Most Valuable Player” for that particular school. Julia Gustafson was selected as MVP for Seussical while Mikaela Elkins was selected for The Tragedy of King Richard III. CRT also generously provides scholarships of $500 to seniors who will continue their education in the performing arts. Kate Halstead received one of these scholarships.

As the night drew to a close, Homer’s student actors were proud of the recognition that their performances had received. Their work throughout this year was truly astounding. Many people throughout the Homer community have been expressing their excitement for next year’s shows, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark in November 2017 and Cinderella in March 2018. These deserving young performers brought Homer superb recognition during the 2017 Pavilion Awards. Be sure and watch their talent unfold next year!