Two PHS Theater Artists to Take Part in Statewide Competition

On May 21st, two local student artists will be representing Portland High School at this year’s Sutton Foster Awards, a competition featuring outstanding high school musical theater artists from over 50 Michigan schools. Lyndsey Camp (junior) and Preston Dibean (senior) were nominated for Outstanding Performer In a Leading Role for their roles as Morticia and Gomez Addams respectively in this year’s PHS Drama production of The Addams Family: School Edition.

The Sutton Foster Awards, a regional subsect of the National High School Theater Awards, began in 2012. “Named for Broadway star and Tony winner Sutton Foster, this program recognizes individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performances as well as the commitment of Michigan teachers and schools to excellence in performing arts education.“ (Sutton Foster Awards)

“This program is an excellent opportunity for students to work with professionals in the theater field and grow as artists,” says PHS Drama Director Chandra Polasek. “This was our first year taking part in the program, which, through Wharton Center and Michigan State University, has provided multiple opportunities for our students to meet and work with professionals from all aspects of theater, from costume designers to choreographers to actors. Our performances received fantastic feedback from the professional adjudicators, and now two of our artists have the chance to take their talents to the next level. It's’ an absolute testament to the hard work and talents of all involved.”

As part of the SF process, Dibean and Camp will first meet with professional coaches to workshop their songs and characters before taking those performances on the road to the showcase in Detroit. At the conclusion of the competitive showcase, two overall winners will be announced as nominees for the Jimmy Awards, also known as the National HIgh School Music Theater Awards, which takes place in June in New York City.

Tickets for the showcase on May 21st in Detroit are $15 and can be purchased through the Wharton Center website.