Hamilton High School one-act play performers took the highest award possible Nov. 21 at the State Drama Festival in LaCrosse. Students came home with the Critics’ Choice Award — earned by only 16 schools in Wisconsin this year – for their performance of “Candid.” The award is presented when two of the three state judges characterize a school’s play performance as exceptional. In Hamilton’s case, all three judges rated the play worthy of the prestigious award. It is only the second time in the school’s history that a one-act play has earned the award.
In addition to the overall award, Kyle Biss, earned an Outstanding Acting Award for his portrayal of the play’s main character.
Steve Younk, Hamilton teacher and drama advisor, said students earned high praise from the judges and others at the state competition.
“The highest praise for a performance is a standing ovation, and we received a standing ovation from the audience in LaCrosse,” Younk said.
One of the judges noted it in her comments: “The standing ovation was truly deserved. . . .This is one of the few plays that occur at state where I forget to write because I am so involved in the story.”
“Candid” is a drama in which a student tells a teacher his life’s troubles through photographs. After earning the highest possible advances at both district competition in October and sectional competition in November, the Hamilton cast was among only 57 Wisconsin schools that made it to state.