Kentucky Teacher article focusing on Theater Art and Technical Theater classes.

November 11th – 12th – The Rose Curtain Players competed in the Kentucky Theatre Association's one-act play competition. Our play, Women and War, was named 1st runner up and will be representing Kentucky at the Southeastern Theatre Conference. This will be our fourth time to represent Kentucky at SETC. (Our fifth time making the top two.)

Isaac Settles was named to the All-State cast for his role of Johnny. For the 2nd year in a row, Grae Greer was named best actress. This year for her role of Betsy.

October 21st & 22nd – The Rose Curtain Players participated in the Kentucky Thespian Festival. While there, their production of Women and War was selected for the International Thespian Society's Chapter Select Showcase to be held as part of the International Thespian Festival this coming June.

We had three students who will also move forward to the International Festival in Individual Events. Earning Superior Ratings in Duet Acting were Helen Merritt and Isaac Settles. Also earning Superior ratings in Monologue was Grae Greer.

Grae Greer also received one of two Kentucky Thespian Scholarships to be used at the college or university of her own choosing.

The Rose Curtain Players production of Women and War was selected to be performed at the Chapter Select Showcase at the International Thespian Festival this coming June in Lincoln, NE.

While at the Kentucky Thespian Festival this past weekend, members of the Rose Curtain Players participated in the Individual Events program. Grae Greer, a senior received Superior ratings for her performance in the monologue category. She will now have the opportunity to participate in the National Individual Events Showcase at the International Thespian Festival. Along with this honor, Grae also received a $600 scholarship from the International Thespian Society to be used at the college of her choice.

Rex Robinson 's original artwork is currently represented in several exhibits including an Invitational One-man Show at the Owensboro Museum Of Fine Art. The Bluegrass theme continues with 4 other artists until October 31. His work "Bluemoon", a granite medallion received the "Best Bill Monroe Likeness" Award in the Monroe Centennial Exhibit at the International Bluegrass Music Museum. The Bluegrass museum selected Robinson as their First Visual Artist with exhibits 2005-7. He also has 3 works in the Owensboro Art Guild's "Recycled Tree" Competition at the Ralph Gallery at KY Wesleyan College which opens Friday September 16th at 6pm. Additionally his originals can be viewed in exhibits at the Owensboro Daviess Co. Visitors Bureau, Daviess Co. Courthouse & the Henderson Art Center.

Click here to view exhibit.

The OHS Dance I class is an introduction into the wonderful world of dance. Ashley Ayer, former Rockette and instructor of the class, takes a handful of students under her wing to teach them a few of her tricks. The students range from talented dancers to newbies and in the end find a love for dance. The day of the dragon boat festival was the first performance of the school year where they showed off their salsa moves.

Jessica Stafford is a 1999 graduate from Georgia College and State University with a degree in Music Education. She is excited to join our Owensboro Public Schools staff as Drama Teacher at Owensboro Middle School and Owensboro High School. The opportunity to create a drama curriculum that brings students from 5th through 8th grades and prepare them for our high school curriculum is exciting for everyone, even more for Jessica since she is working with her former drama teacher from high school, Carolyn Greer. A successful career in middle schools has prepared Jessica for her new role with her students. Look for many new events added to our fine arts calendar as the drama program continues to grow. Jessica is a proud mom to her daughter, Emily and they are both enjoying exploring their new home of Owensboro.

Foust Elementary Drumline (sponsored by the 21st Century grant program) performed at the end-of-year assembly this spring. Our students meet with music specialist Kim Wirthwein every Monday afternoon, learning the basics of percussion performance and creating "beats". With outstanding solos and wonderful enthusiasm, they were "Bringin' the Noise" to Foust elementary school.

Foust students who wish to join for 2011-12 need to contact Mrs. Wirthwein when they return to school.

Members of the Rose Curtain Players & the International Thespian Society Troupe #3161 attended the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska on the campus of the University of Nebraska. The festival brings 2500 theatre students from all over the world together to further their theatre education. Productions presented at the Festival included The Drowsy Chaperone, Anything Goes, Jekyll & Hyde, Rabbit Hole, and Avenue Q. Our students also participated in workshops, with over seventy-five to chose from.

As part of the Festival, the RCP production of Jenny Saint Joan was performed for the Chapter Select Series and Steffan Clark, Taylor Davis, Grae Greer, and Will Stone received a standing ovation from the crowd of theatre students.

Having earned superior ratings in their duet-acting piece at the Kentucky Theatre Festival, Steffan Clark and Grae Greer competed in the National Individual Events Showcase. With over three hundred competitive pieces, and less than ninety earning superior ratings, this is a real honor.

Grae Greer and Helen Merritt, Kentucky State Thespian Officers, participated in the daily International Thespian Officer Leadership training sessions. This will prepare them to take on leadership duties at OHS and for the Kentucky Thespian Society.

Students who attended: Ethan Ashby, Steffan Clark, Taylor Davis, Brie Greer, Grae Greer, Bayleigh Leach, Helen Merritt, Kesley Reese, Will Stone, & Chloe Tyler.

Over 180 middle and high school students attended the SIYA camp this year. With a 50% increase in enrollment, the teaching staff and student interns worked intensely to ensure every student had a great arts experience! A field trip to the Chataugua Park Pool was the highlight of week one, while a talent show and a morning at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden kept week two even more fun.

Performances in dance, drama, band, orchestra, and choir brought camp to a close in our fabulous facilities at Owensboro High School. New this year, our SIYA II string quartet brought a high level of performance from outstanding high school students.

With majors in Instrumental music, choir, visual art and drama, this camp also includes a variety of art electives and recreation periods each day. Partnering with 21st Century and local arts organizations, we offer a unique two week experience for outstanding students in our district. Plans for next year include adding additional classes and staff to meet growing demand for the SIYA experience.

Preliminary dates are June 4-15, 2012. Be sure to book early next year! We'll see you at SIYA!

With steel pans supplied by 21st Century grant funds, music specialist Natalie Francis has begun a signature musical ensemble for Cravens elementary school. They performed in April, 2011 for our OPS school board members luncheon.