EHS Theater company awarded six All Star Company Awards, will compete in semi-final round on Saturday

By Tara Vocino

The Everett High School Theater Company was recently awarded six All Star Company Awards during Saturday’s preliminary round of the 2024 Mass. Educational Theater Guild Festival at Norwood High School.

The Company performed the play titled “Augusta and Noble” written by Carlos Murillo, in special agreement with Dramatic Publishing Company.

According to Artistic Director Evan DeMarzo, “Augusta and Noble” is a coming-of-age story, revolving around a young girl named Gabi Castillo, who has lived her whole life amid a vibrant Latino community in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Gabi is starting high school across the city at Northside College Prep, where she is quickly exposed to new people and possibilities. As Gabi begins asking questions about her heritage, including the truth about her parents’ harrowing journey across the border to the United States, she struggles to discover exactly where in this world she belongs. Spoken in English and peppered with Spanish, this play celebrates the rich history and resilience of the many migrants, who call America home. The awards given were:

Excellence in Acting —

• Gabriellie DeGouveia: Role of Gabi
• Gianna Rodriguez Sanchez: Role of Dolores
• Anthony Santizo: Role of Ricardo
• Technical Excellence in Scenic Painting.

• Technical Excellence in Scenic Construction.

• Technical Excellence in Design: Hand Stitched Embroidery.

At the helm of the production is Artistic Director Evan DeMarzo and his production team: Scenic Director Briana Pierce, Costume Director Josephene Dougan, Theatrical Advisor Brittany Mitchell, and Scenic Construction Advisor Eric Pierce.

“I am beyond thrilled that our students were recognized for their dedication and talent,” Mitchell said. “This play represents our community and gives a voice to those who are not usually represented at festival.”

Mitchell added that the actors put their heart and soul into the piece, and it truly brings her joy as an educator.

“These kids and this theatre company are my “why,” Mitchell said. “Evan DeMarzo has given these students an amazing platform with the EHS Theatre Company, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

The EHS Theatre Company will be holding a benefit performance of Augusta & Noble for the Everett Public Schools Community tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m. in the EHS Center For Performing Arts.

The Theatre Company will perform in the semi-final round of the METG Festival Competition Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Brockton High School.