High Schoolers Take Part in Annual Garcia Theatre Project

Aiken, SC (05/27/2019) — Several Aiken County high schools participated in the 17th annual Garcia Theatre Project in the Etherredge Center at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

The morning program consisted of technical rehearsals, scholarship auditions, and workshops offered by USC Aiken students. The afternoon was dedicated to a robust performance schedule. At the end of the day, awards were presented. Awards were given for Best Play, Best Play Runner-up, Best Actor, Best Actress, All-Star Cast, and several design and specialty awards.

In 2002, when their daughter was then a high school student interested in drama, Carlos and Karen Garcia decided to create the program, which encourages schools to provide an active drama program to their students. Even after their daughter graduated, the Garcias decided to continue sponsoring the event, aimed at promoting youth theatre in Aiken County. The Garcia Theatre Project is now in its 17th year.

Through the generosity of the Garcia family, area high schools receive funding to produce their productions and take them to the stage at USC Aiken. Throughout the day-long theatre seminar, students attend workshops, produce and present their plays, receive feedback from theatre professionals, and have the opportunity to compete for awards.

This year's winners were:

All-Star Cast:

• Syerra Russell, North Augusta;
• Niozjia Richardson, Ridge Spring-Monetta;
• Eliyana Brown, Fox Creek;
• Janaisha McMillian, South Aiken;
• Hayden LaFramboise, Fox Creek;
• Jaden Napier, South Aiken;
• Jack Chapman, North Augusta

Best Actor: Maurice Milton, North Augusta

Best Actress: Emma Ellis - Fox Creek

Best Play Runner Up: Mother Goose is Eaten by Werewolves - North Augusta

Best Play: These Shining Lives - Fox Creek

The 2019 performance schedule in the Etherredge Center included:

Play #1

Mother Goose Is Eaten by Werewolves

By Steph DeFerie

North Augusta High School

Chad Hubbard, faculty representative

Play #2

My California

By Lisa D'Amour

Ridge Spring-Moneta High School

Kerry Jackson, faculty representative

Play #3

These Shining Lives

By Melanie Harnich

Fox Creek High School

Nancy Sladky, faculty representative

Play #4

Any Body for Tea?

By C.B. Gilford

South Aiken High School

Ramona Parsons, Faculty representative

Media Attachments