Piedmont’s One-Act Play Places Second in Region

Piedmont Academy’s One-Act-Play cast and crew earned the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA)Region AA first runner-up honor at the competition held at Augusta Preparatory Day School last week.

The group received two second place rankings and one first place ranking from the three judges giving Piedmont the first runner-up honors behind Thomas Jefferson Academy, who received two first place ranking and one second place ranking edging out Piedmont by only one ranking point. Other schools included Briarwood Academy, Brentwood Academy, and Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School.

Piedmont performed “Check Please Take 3” by Johnathan Rand, and produced with permission from Playscripts, Inc. The play was a hilarious look at horrible blind dates. Earning the region first runner-up advances the cast and crew to the GISA AA State competition which will be held at Southern Technical College in Vidalia later this month.

The judges praised the cast and crew for their talent and hard work as well as their being connected to the material and one another. The pacing of the performance was also admired with the set design and appearance. Several actors were flattered on the individual characterizations remarks of their roles. One judge, in particular, said he had judged this play on many occasions and remarked, “Piedmont’s production was the best he had ever seen.”

Piedmont was the only school to be awarded two of five “Outstanding Performance” awards given at the regional level. Senior Will Tillman earned an “Outstanding Performance” award for his portrayal of the male lead, “Guy.” First time actress, Grace Roberts, also received an “Outstanding Performance” award for her role as the female lead, “Girl.” Danny Ramsdell was given tributes for his portrayal of four distinctly different characters.

Maddie Mooneyham did a good job in the multiple roles of her characters, “Celeste” and “Sarah” as did Nick Maynard as server, “Garrett” and “Eddy.” Bringing laughter to the audience as supporting actresses were MaKennah Holifield, playing “Annie” and Gracie Hunt as the Italian Brooke. Ryn Smith rounded out the cast as server three. Madison Suttles and Martina Coleman were invaluable as the backstage crew handling make-up, costumes, props and sets.

Technical crew members included Chris McClain, who ran the sound board for the production, and J.T. Hardin who ran stage lighting.

The judge’s remarks were very complimentary and sincerely appreciated by the play’s director Mary Ramsdell, who is looking forward to another opportunity to compete at the state level. Mrs. Ramsdell would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work as well as all those who have supported them in their efforts.