Lemont High School Drama Students Named to All-State Cast

When it comes to drama, four students don’t mind having plenty of it in their lives.

Recently senior Rob Smierciak, juniors Kevin Driscoll and Lindsay Simonetta, and sophomore Aubree Tally were able to turn their theatrical skills into a win during the 2011 IHSA Drama and Group Interpretation State Finals March 25 and 26, as each were named to the Group Interpretation All-State Cast.

The finals were held at the University of Illinois- Springfield.

Smierciak also earned the All-State Cast honors in 2010.

Drama program Director Dan Franke praised the students’ work.

“The All-State cast members from the Group Interpretation deserve a lot of praise,” he said. “That is quite a special honor, and they were all very deserving.”

In order to be included to the All-State honorary cast, a student must receive four of the five judges’ nominations.

During the weekend’s competition, Lemont High School also placed 12th in the Drama Category performing “The Diary of Anne Frank” by Francis Goodrick and Albert Hackett. They performed Woody Allen’s “Bullet’s Over Broadway” for the Group Interpretation.

In Group Interpretation, groups of three or more students interpretively present literature by creating an ensemble performance showcasing their interpretive skills without the aid of costumes, make-up, set or props. Selections can be from literary forms ranging from prose to speeches to original material.

In the Drama category, students perform in and run (with adult supervision as necessary) an actual dramatic production, which can be no longer than 40 minutes and usually is a one-act play or part of a longer play.

“The kids did great, and I couldn't be happier as their director,” Franke said. “They overcame a lot of adversity late in the game, and both groups put on terrific performances. The judges ranks for the Group Interp had them just outside the top three in their draw, and while the Contest play finished at the bottom of the pack, they were a young group of performers with a lot left to prove.”

Driscoll enjoyed being able to take part in the state meet.

“It was an awesome experience,” he said. “I’m glad I got to be a part of the cast and experience that.”

Previously a football player, an injury sidelined Driscoll. But rather than sit idle, he looked for something else to fill his time. Last year, at the urging of his brother, Driscoll auditioned for and was cast in the high school’s musical production, “Beauty and the Beast.” He has since gone on to perform in other Lemont High School productions.

“(Drama) has opened my world to so much more,” he said. “It’s just been awesome.”

Fellow team member Tally also enjoys being on stage. She auditioned for her first production in second-grade, and was named as the understudy of Annie in “Annie.”

After that, “I just kept auditioning for shows,” Tally said.

As a freshman, she was chosen to play Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," and will play Kathy this spring in the school's production of “Singing in the Rain.”

Tally said she is proud of her fellow teammates’ performances during the state meet.

“Everyone really worked hard,” she said. “I wish the whole cast could’ve gotten (named to the All-State honorary cast) because everyone deserved it.”

For Lemont’s “The Diary of Anne Frank” entry, senior Nicole Ahline and junior Cara Dohse served as student directors, senior Kevin Goffard was the student technical director, and senior Maddie Justice contributed as the stage manager.
Lemont qualified for the IHSA Drama State Finals for the second straight year.