Despite the fact that they did not expect to receive any awards, Diamond Bar High School drama students emerged victorious in their first adjudication process.
Three CETA, (also known as California Educational Theatre Association) judges attended the Nov. 7 production of Thornton Wilder’s “Skin of Our Teeth,” performed by DBHS students. This was DBHS’ first time going through the adjudication process, which involves a judge attending and assessing their performance. Although the association officials told drama not to expect any awards, the talent of the actors and actresses clearly impressed the judges.
“It was an enormous honor to receive such high praise from people of such esteem, especially to [those] who won merit awards from the judges. Receiving such praise gave the whole cast a large performance and confidence boost,” recipient Juliana King, said via Facebook.
Many of the actors and actresses received written praise for their acting. However, eight students will be receiving CETA Merit Awards: Chloe Reyes for her portrayal of Sabina, Julianna King as Maggie Antrobus, Amelia Anijielo as The Fortune Teller, Daniel Durkee as Fitzpatrick, Jonah Martinez as George Antrobus, Riley Mawhorter as The Broadcast Official, Jana Yamak as The Dinosaur, and Nicole Geron as The Mammoth. The recipients, as well as the whole cast, will be attending the CETA Festival at Fullerton Union High School in January 2016, to receive their awards.
“I’m in absolute amazement. We were prepared not to expect much from these judges – considering the many school productions they must see on a day to day basis. It’s such an honor to receive positive feedback by well-respected advocates to this art,” Reyes said via Facebook.