Performing arts students from Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Potomac Shores and Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington as part of the Cappies Gala June 6.
The Cappies were founded in 1999 to promote the next generation of theatre audiences,
performing artists, technical crews, writers and critics. The Cappies Gala, in the National Capital Region, is a celebration of high school theatre — with up to 60 schools participating from the area.
Ireton was nominated for six awards: best musical; Melanie Becker for best supporting actor in a female role in a musical; Aidan Furey for best supporting actor in a male role in a musical; Aidan McNerney for best male vocalist; Melanie Becker, Sofia Cruz and Sophia Tuminaro for best choreography; and Michelle Dorman, Claire Gibbons, Gabriela Pena and Lila Sampilo for best costumes.
Melanie Becker took home the award for best supporting actor in a female role in a musical.
Three students from John Paul the Great were nominated: Jessica Kokotajlo and Virginia
Weina for stage management and Chloe Davies for best lead actor in a female role in a play.
In addition, Audrey Iglesia represented the school as the spotlight performer in the opening
performance, and Olivia Tilley, on harp, was a member of the Cappies Orchestra. Four students
from John Paul the Great’s drama program were selected by Producer and Director of Theatre Paul Hopeas, receiving bronze medallions in recognition of their dedication to JP Drama: Abigail Allard (actor and Cappies Critic), Jason Brunsman (lighting design), Evan Owen (actor) and Shane Wall (actor and Cappies Critic.)
