The Grambling State University Theatre and Speech Department returned from the National Association of Speech and Dramatic Arts Incorporated competition with prizes in several categories.The department participated in the annual conference in Dallas at the Black Academic of Arts and Letters on March 7-14. The National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts, Inc. was founded in 1936.
“Students of the department competed in seven categories and won six awards for their theatrical performances and two awards for original poetry,” said department chairman and director of the theatre company, Dr. King D. Godwin,
In every category entered, GSU performed exemplary. The results, according to Dr. Godwin, were as follows: Dramatic Monologue-Jonathan Jackson- second place rating of Excellent.
In the Oral Interpretation of Prose, Aigner Edgerson captured first place rating of Superior.
GSU earned second place in the Reader’s Theatre, which was performed by the entire theatre company.
In the Duo-Acting section, GSU’S Jonathan Jackson and Deron James captured 1st place rating of Superior.
In another major category, the One Act Play Division, Brandon McKnight won 3rd place rating of Good. The other cast members were Jackson, James, Cedric Clarke, Patrick Johnnie, Leon Norville, Trichia Cadett. The National All Star Cast was announced as Brandon McKnight and Cedric Clark
Dr. Godwin said he believes the experience has taught students how to appreciate theatre and provided a platform for them to compare themselves with others in the field.
Professor Karl Norman, who served as Acting Coach for the group, and Teisha Lincoln, who was the Costumer/Property Manager travelled with the group.