The Haines Glacier Bards sent five students to the state Drama Debate and Forensics competition in Anchorage last month, where three of them placed in the top ranks after competing with more than 20 school teams.
Tanna Dixon and Dylan Chapell brought home a sixth-place award in a duet acting piece. The pair performed the piece from David Lindsay-Abaire’s play “Rabbit Hole.” Chapell stepped in for Max White who graduated early. Dixon and White had success with the piece during the fall when they placed second twice during regional competitions.
“Dylan took over the role and really made it his own,” head coach Hannah Bochart said. “It’s about a couple dealing with the death of their very young child, so you know, a light and fun affair.”
Hannah Boron performed a solo piece about a desperate woman auditioning for a part in a play, and is willing to do anything to secure a role. “(The woman) decided to intimidate the casting director into giving her the role by threatening to disrobe, or if she doesn’t do that, murder a cat with a hammer,” Bochart said. “Hannah did extremely well with that in her round. It’s very dark subject matter, but it’s kind of a study of how difficult it is to be a woman in professional acting and the lengths it drives you to.”
Eli Williamson and Nathan Haas also competed and nearly placed in their events, Bochart said.
This was the first time the students were able to go to state in two years. They were unable to afford the trip last year, but successful fundraising efforts allowed them to go this year.
The Glacier Bards will perform their pieces in the Chilkat Center next month, with a time and date to be determined.