On Sunday, May 18th, Amador Drama students got the chance of a lifetime: to perform at the Orpheum Theater. Not only was this an exciting opportunity, but a chance to win a highly prestigious award. The Amador/Foothill musical was nominated for three categories at the inaugural Sara Bareilles Awards. Here’s how it went.
Lessons from the Pros
Nominees got access to exclusive workshops with industry professionals, helping the students hone their craft. Next year’s Drama Club President Emma June (‘27) shared about her experience. Her favorite workshop was ‘Acting Through Singing’ taught by Ben Bogen, an industry professional who has worked both on and off Broadway.
“In the workshops I learned certain tips for the professional world when it came to auditions, technique, and character development. My favorite was the ‘Acting Through Singing’ segment because you could approach your performance from so many angles. It was cool to see other people apply Bogen’s advice, seeing a huge change in their performance and emotion.”
She continued, saying it really gave her an insight into what it could be like to be a performer in the professional sphere.
“We got to meet some of the people on the team there. It gives you kind of an idea what rehearsals, tech, and working with these people would be like,” said June.
Another cast member, Grayson Rebello (‘25), will attend CalArts next year, pursuing a degree in musical theatre. He felt that this opportunity has given him an edge that he can take forwards in his career.
“I got a lot of productive feedback. I learned a lot when it comes to how to hook audiences with the first thing you sing… That was really important to teach to everybody,” said Rebello.
An Exciting Opportunity
The awards ceremony from an audience perspective broke down like this: the firs act was comprised of a performance of one number from each of the nominees for Outstanding Overall Production, of which there were 5, Addams Family included. Then, during intermission, the audience got to vote for their favorite number. This would decide the winner of the Fan Favorite award. Then, during act two, those nominated for best lead actress/actor got to perform solo. Then, awards were passed out.
From the actors’ perspective, it was even more exciting. The best and brightest Drama programs from across northern California got to perform on the same stage as many broadway greats.
“It was super cool to go backstage and hang out in the dressing rooms; I kept thinking about how so many broadway performers have walked those same halls. All the workers and adults there were all so nice, especially when I got to go backstage and get into mics. It was awesome to see how fancy their mics were and get to actually wear them myself.” said castmate Brynn Millar.
A Valuable Experience
Amador and Foothill’s production of The Addams Family was nominated for three awards: Outstanding Overall Production, Best Lead Actor (both actors that portrayed Gomez, Gabe Eaton and Hayden Wood were nominated), and Best Lead Actress (Zoey Shuga). In the end, Amador did not walk away with any awards, but it hardly felt like a loss.
“The other students were so nice and talented. It was fun to cheer each other on. There was such a strong sense of community even though we didn’t all know each other. It was cool to see all of us have the same goal: having fun through being on stage and doing what we love,” said Millar.
In the end, students still had the experience of a lifetime. Even being nominated is something that Amador Drama can be proud of for years to come.
