Diamond Ranch Academy recently won its first drama state championship. The Utah High School Activities Association held its annual theatre festival Friday April 9 and Saturday April 10; the Diamondbacks taking home top honors among the schools in the 1A division. 

DRA’s one-act play, a rendition of Ian McWethy’s “Bad Audition by Bad Actors” placed second overall. The one-act play cast included Sarah B., Joey R.S., T.M., Dom L., Mary C., Melissa P, and Riley C. L.E. was the technician for the play.

Held at the Hurricane City Performing Arts building located at the Hurricane Recreation Center, the theatre festival also resulted in a number of individual and small group accolades for Diamond Ranch Academy students. The Diamondbacks’ one-act play, a rendition of Ian McWethy’s “Bad Audition by Bad Actors” placed second overall. 

Individual and small group awards included:

  • Mary C. received first place for her dramatic monologue and third place in the musical theater category
  • Joey R.S., T.M. and George M. placed second in the contemporary scene category
  • Leslie M. and Kate S. placed third in pantomime
  • Sarah B. placed third in the humorous monologue competition. She was also named “best supporting actress” for her role in “Bad Audition by Bad Actors”.
  • Jackson P. and Noah W. placed second in the classical scene category. 
  • Ryan B. and Anthony A. placed third in the classical scene competition.

The theater program is directed by Drew Durrant. Durrant was assisted by Dan Harvey, Stephen Michaud, and Ashley Riddle. Jordan Williams served as an honorary coach. While DRA serves a somewhat small student body of 155, a large percentage of students (25%) participate in the theatre program. Thanks to parent and faculty support, this small school is able to make waves at the state level.

Saint George News wrote about the state title.