Earlier this spring, what could only be called an all star cast of CHS students, performed their rendition of Xanadu.  Anyone who was in attendance could speak to the outstanding talent that was evident in this cast, however something that most of the audience was unaware of was that representatives of a prestigious award judging panel were also observing the spectacle.  As a result, students from Calhoun High School were nominated for The Shuler Hensley Awards – The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards.  Senior Marcello Audino was nominated for Leading Actor and senior Kate Leggett was nominated for Supporting Actress both for their performance in the CHS winter musical, Xanadu.  In addition, Calhoun received 4 honorable mentions:  Bailey Reeves in the category of Leading Actress; Monica Quinn in the category of Choreography; and Mary Hall and Madeline Hite in the area of Costume Design and construction. 

Two students from Calhoun will also participate as part of the Shuler Ensemble and will sing and dance in the opening and closing numbers - freshmen, Rachel Green and Geanna Funes.  The awards show will be televised live from the Cobb Energy Center on WSBTV-Ch. 2 on April 17^th and students will attend this red-carpet event.

Fashioned after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Shuler Hensley Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theater. The Awards are named in honor of actor/singer and Georgia native, Shuler Hensley, winner of the prestigious Tony Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Drama Desk Award. The Shuler Awards are a part of the National High School Musical Theater Awards - The Jimmy Nederlander Awards - and are similar to other programs, including the Tommy Tune Awards in Houston and the Gene Kelly Awards in Pittsburgh. The Shuler Awards embody a spirit of camaraderie and celebration for the arts in high schools across Georgia. Atlanta's The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre provides a beautiful, state-of-the-art home for the Shuler Awards. The Cobb Energy Centre Foundation supports the Shuler Awards through the Foundation's arts education program, ArtsBridge.

When asked about his nomination as Leading Actor, Marcello Audino commented, "Being nominated is a humbling experience.  I am excited at the opportunity to showcase my talents at the Shuler Awards, and hope that this isn't the last awards show I am able to participate in.  It has been a great experience to work with professionals who are involved with this show to prepare for the big event on the 17th.  I am grateful for the support of my friends and family and for Calhoun City Schools, as I pursue a career in the arts.  Without their encouragement none of this would be possible."

Katie Leggett's excitement was evident when she shared "It is such an honor to be recognized at such a prestigious awards show.  To be in the company of students from established performing arts schools, and to know that Calhoun High School is among them is a memory I will cherish forever.  I am excited to attend the event on Tuesday and am hopeful that this experience will help me in my future pursuits in the arts."

In 2012, the Shuler Awards becomes a statewide celebration and will also be known as The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards. 44 participating schools across Georgia and 55 adjudicators are donating their time and talent to this amazing program.

Calhoun City Schools is extremely proud of the contributions of these Jacket thespians.  They are a true example of how the arts can enhance the educational experience for students, as they continue to achieve excellence both in the classroom and on the stage.

Pictured:  Shuler Nominees, Marcello Audino and Katie Leggett

YOUNG PERFORMERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE REGION

TO PERFORM IN THE ENSEMBLE AT THE

FOURTH ANNUAL SHULER HENSLEY AWARDS

“The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – March 15, 2012 -  The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation’s annual “Shuler Hensley Awards - The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards” will include 42 high schools from 12 counties, representing 14 school districts as well as private schools in the greater Atlanta region. A highlight of the show will be cameo appearances by Shuler Hensley including  an appearances with members of the Shuler Student Ensemble representing the schools participating in this year’s competition (see school list at bottom of release).  

The program debuted in April of 2009 with 15 participating high schools from five metro Atlanta counties. The Shuler Hensley Awards, is an initiative of the Foundation’s ARTSBRIDGE program, honor and celebrate excellence in high school musical theater. “We are thrilled with the growth in the number of participating schools in the Shuler Hensley Awards program that includes such a variety of shows and dozens of enthused schools spanning the entire state of Georgia.” commented Michael Taormina CFE, managing director of the Cobb Energy Centre.

Tickets for the awards ceremony to be held on Tuesday, April 17^th at 7:30 p.m. are $15.00 each plus applicable fees.  Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster.com, any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-653-8000. or purchased in person at the Bank of North Georgia Box Office at Cobb Energy Centre. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed on Sundays.  The box office is located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. 

For general information on the Shuler Hensley Awards program, call (770) 916.2800 or visit www.shulerawards.org .

About Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is charged with securing financial resources for the Foundation's community and educational outreach activities including its signature, ArtsBridge education program.  Additional information about the foundation and ways to contribute is available at www.cobbenergycentre.com<http://www.cobbenergycentre.com/>.

About ArtsBridge Education Program

Through the support of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation, ArtsBridge produces quality arts education and community outreach programs designed to inspire creativity and foster the next generation of artists and art supporters.   Since its inception in 2007, ArtsBridge has served over 160,000 students and educators from over 26 public school districts, private schools, home school programs, and after school programs. ArtsBridge programs include field trips, master classes, workshops, artists in schools, and the Shuler Hensley Awards-The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards<http://www.shulerawards.org/>  (www.shulerawards.org<http://www.shulerawards.org>).   ArtsBridge creates collaborative partnerships with prominent arts organizations to present the best quality arts education programs to Georgia students and educators. These collaborative partnerships include: The Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour, Kennesaw State University College of the Arts, Georgia Ballet, Georgia Shakespeare, and the Gas South Broadway Series.  Additional information about ArtsBridge available at www.cobbenergycentre.com/education<http://www.cobbenergycentre.com/education>.

About Cobb Energy Centre

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, a $145 million, state-of-the-art facility, is located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in northwest Atlanta, inside the Perimeter. Cobb Energy Centre is metro Atlanta's premier venue for opera, concerts, Broadway shows, ballet, educational performances, family shows and corporate meetings and events. The Centre hosts four resident companies, the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Ballet, ArtsBridge and the Gas South Broadway Series.  The facility includes the 2,750-seat John A. Williams Theatre, 10,000-square-foot Kessel D. Stelling Ballroom and other meeting spaces, 1,000 on-site parking spaces, and full-service food and beverage capabilities. The Centre, part of the Cobb Galleria complex, is governed by the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority. Additional information about the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is available at www.cobbenergycentre.com<http://www.cobbenergycentre.com/>.

2012 Members of the Ensemble for the Shuler Hensley Awards – Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards

Giselle Fernandez - Atlanta International School

Joshua Cohen - Atlanta International School

Geanna Funes - Calhoun High School

Rachel Green - Calhoun High School

Laura Sullivan - Holy Innocents Episcopal

Amelie Wendling - Holy Innocents' Episcopal School

Bennett Tatgenhorst - Johns Creek High School

Brooke Dumont - Johns Creek HS

Erin Walsh - McIntosh High School

Kathryn (Katy) Laughlin - McIntosh High School

Birdie Jackson - Mill Creek High School

Grace Hubbard - Mill Creek High School

Ellis Larson - Milton High School

Taela Dudley - Milton High School

Grace Austin - Mount Paran Christian School

Jianna Justice - North Atlanta High School

Mariama Tatum - North Atlanta Highschool

Caroline Coleman - North Hall High School

Morgan Copeland - North Hall High School

Conor Korbisch - Northview High School

Lauren Watkins - Northview High School

Casey Rosner - Riverwood International Charter School

Obi Morton - Riverwood International Charter School

Nicholas (Nich) Stinson - Sequoyah High School

Sidney Naliwajka - Sequoyah High School

Luna Manela - The Paideia School

Erin Deebel - The Walker School

Gina McLoughlin - Walton High School

Jennifer Freedman - Walton High School

Kaylan Bryant - White County High School

Trevor Boling - White County High School

Hannah Wehunt - Woodland High School

Rebekah Mez - Woodland High School

Calhoun High School Drama announced an exciting season of musicals and plays for the school year.  

Pippin – Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Roger O. Hirson

October 22 & 23

This year’s one act play will be the musical Pippin with music by Stephen Schwartz.  Schwartz is the composer of many popular musicals including Wicked and Godspell.  Pippin, the story of a young prince who is trying to find a meaningful life, is told by an ensemble of traveling performers.  The students at Calhoun High will perform for the community on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.  The 
production will go on to compete in the region AA one act competition.
  
Xanadu – Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne & John Farrar, Book by Douglas Carter Beane

February 17, 18, & 19

One of the worst movies becomes one of the most hysterical musicals ever!  Step back to the dawn of the ‘80’s in this free-spirited comedy with music of the Electric Light Orchestra.  Fun for the entire family!

The Senior Showcase – Music through the Decades

March 23, 24, & 25

The CHS Seniors will ‘wow’ the community with a review featuring songs from your favorite musicals and movies.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the class of 2012.

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail – Robert Edwin Lee and Jerome Lawrence

April 27, 28, & 29

The moving story of  Henry David Thoreau’s act of civil disobedience from the same writers of Inherit the Wind.  This play shows that Thoreau’s ideas are as politically relevant today as they were in the 19th century.