MASTER IN CHARGE:
Ms Bronwyn Kemp
(bkemp@jeppeboys.co.za)
Jeppe’s Dramatic Arts Society is an intricate part of Jeppe High School for Boys. After Jeppe’s popular production of Robin Hood, the dramatic arts extramural saw new potential actors flock to be a part of another great play. Since then the dramatic society has continued to produce quality actors and entertaining and captivating plays that are a joy to watch for people that are drama experts and students alike.
The Dramatic Arts Society is committed to producing mature, highly skilled, independent and creative theatre practitioners that are capable of creating, encouraging and managing their own work while helping their fellow actors to mature alongside them. The close-knit, nurturing, and supportive environment found within the society between the boys and staff is central to our success in achieving this goal.
The Dramatic Arts Society has grown exponentially over the past 5 years and has achieved much throughout the years including the previously mentioned favourite Robin Hood and The Nightmare Before Christmas and last year at the GRADS finals our Jeppe boys walked away with no less than seven nominations and three trophies including the awards for overall best actor and best original script. Our boys maintained their achievements at the festivals they attended this year and were nominated and awarded for overall best actor, best supporting actor and best original script in GRADS, FEDA and EADS. We look forward to participating in these festivals in future.
As the society continues to produce excellent actors and productions that help to grow the Jeppe Dramatic Arts society’s reputation it will always encourage new inexperienced actors and previous experienced actors with open arms.
The first leg was held at Trinity House. Jeppe performed an original piece written By Ryan Naamdhew (grade 12) which was nominated for best script and best director. David Newton was nominated for best actor and Rogerio Domingues for Best supporting actor.
At the end of the leg, winners are announced. David Newton won best actor and Ryan Naamdhew won best original script.
Leg two was held at Edenvale high school. The support received by Jeppe boys was incredible and the appearance of Mr Dale Jackson on the night was a humbling surprise for us.
Ryan Naamdhew got a standing ovation for his script as well as a nomination and David Newton was nominated for best actor. Rogerio Domingues received a merit for best supporting actor. At the awards at the end of the leg Ryan Naamdhew again won with the award for best original script.
The Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts (FEDA) is the most prestigious school festival in SA and takes place at Joburg theatre.
Jeppe was the first Government school to take part in this festival and what a thrilling experience it was. Our AV crew were blown away by the high tech equipment available and the actors refused to get off the perfect stage.
The change rooms took everyone’s breath away. Professionals in the industry did workshops with the boys so that when it was their performance time- they shone.
The adjudication was extremely positive and complimentary and we are waiting for the results.
The third leg of the GRADS series takes place at Waterstone College on Tuesday.