Bucyrus Little Theatre and actors recognized at state community theatre competition

The Bucyrus Little Theatre production "Disenchanted!” that ran locally in June has garnered awards for three of the participants.

Director Jason Chandler said nine of the 10 cast members performed during the regional conference of the Ohio Community Theatre Association (OCTA) at Owens Community College in Perrysburg near Toledo on June 24.

“It’s a competition so everyone wants to do well. If you win at this conference, you will go on to the state competition,” Chandler said.

The cast and crew of “Disenchanted!” were selected as the North Region’s first alternate after competing at OCTA’s regional competition in June. Following this performance, the ensemble was given a Merit Award while Heather Giglio, Martha Tidball, and Amanda Zucker were honored for their performances and Debbi Gifford was recognized for “Excellence in Costuming.”

From regionals to states

The cast members performed a half-hour excerpt of the play for the regional competition and won the opportunity to compete at the OCTA state conference.

“The cast performed the same excerpt at the state level that they did at the regional level, which is required,” said Chandler.

The annual OCTA conference takes place every September over Labor Day weekend. This year’s conference was staged at Holiday Inn Eastgate in Cincinnati. In addition to viewing 16 excerpts over two days, the conference featured a range of workshops, a master class, games, social events and more. The actresses of Bucyrus Little Theatre’s took the stage Sept. 3.

The results of the state conference’s performance have left the cast and crew very happy and excited since three members took home awards for their performances.

'Excellence in Musical Theatre Performance' award

Zucker was presented with an award for “Excellence in Musical Theatre Performance for her portrayal as Rapunzel.

“It’s very exciting because the award is given by our peers. I am so honored to have been a part of this production,” said Zucker, who had her new baby, Campbell, with her backstage during her performances. “It was a lot with a new baby, but everyone was so nice. His daddy helped out and he even had a stage grandma who would hold him for me."

She said that while performing on large, grand stages is amazing, community theatre is much more intimate.

“You can connect with the audience very well when you perform at a community theatre. It’s a great opportunity for communities" noted Zucker.

'Merit in Musical Theater Performance' award

Giglio was presented with an award for “Merit in Musical Theater Performance” for her portrayal as Snow White.

“I love to win awards, who doesn’t, but this one is so special because it is decided by your peers. It’s very exciting,” said Giglio.

Bev Roby received the award for “Excellence in Musical Accompaniment” for her work behind the piano.

“It’s so satisfying and surprising that I was recognized for what I love to do,” said Raby.

Chandler said the cast was truly at their best for these performances.

“They deserved all the praise and recognition they received over the weekend,” Chandler said.

Patty Schwall, Bucyrus Little Theater vice president, OCTA attendee and Sleeping Beauty in “Disenchanted!” said the state conference made for an awesome weekend.

“We bonded, we laughed, we cried, we made new friends … I wasn’t sure what to expect from this year’s OCTA state competition, but I can tell you it didn’t disappoint,” said Schwall.

Origins of OCTA includes Bucyrus Little Theatre

This year’s state OCTA conference was more than another theater competition. It was a 70th anniversary celebration for the organization, one in which Bucyrus Little Theatre was recognized and honored for its role as one of the original member theaters.

“OCTA was founded 70 years ago by 16 theaters across the state. Today, only six of the original member theaters remain,” said Chandler. “Bucyrus Little Theater has been an OCTA member since the beginning, and we are really proud of that.”

As a founding member theater, Bucyrus Little Theatre was presented with a commemorative award to honor its role in OCTA’s history.

“It’s so important for Ohio’s community theaters to be involved in OCTA,” said Schwall. “The resources that are available to area theaters and actors are incredible. This organization exists to make us all better and Bucyrus Little Theater will continue to support this incredible organization."

Established in 1953, today OCTA serves more than 100 member theaters in eight regions across the state and beyond. Bucyrus Little Theater belongs to the North Region, which includes Bellevue Society for The Arts, Caryl Crane Youth Theatre, Fremont Community Theatre, Mansfield Playhouse, Olde Town Hall Theatre Inc., Playmakers Civic Theatre, The Harlequins Inc., and The Ritz Theatre.

About Bucyrus Little Theatre

Founded in 1951, the Bucyrus Little Theatre exists to provide cultural enrichment, education, and entertainment to Bucyrus and the surrounding communities. Located at 130 Songer Ave. in Bucyrus, Bucyrus Little Theatre presents four regular season performances and a range of other activities for community members.

To learn more about Bucyrus Little Theatre, including upcoming performances, audition opportunities and how to get involved, visit bucyruslittletheatre.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus Little Theatre earns statewide honors