The Perry High School Music and Drama Departments were recognized with the following awards and honors for their April production of “Mamma Mia!” as part of the 2021 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA), presented by EMC Insurance Companies.
PHS won in two categories:
Production Award: Distinguished Scene– “S.O.S”
Special Recognition: Performance in a Principal Role: Ainsley Marburger as “Donna Sheridan”
The awards are based on reviewer scores and nominations, with each participating musical production receiving a professional review. A panel of performing arts educators and professionals (adjudicators) attend each school’s musical and provides feedback on everything from individual actors’ performances, to the orchestra, set, lighting, costumes and more. Teachers and students use these insights to make their next show even stronger. Schools participating year over year have seen dramatic transformations in skill, student enthusiasm, and community support.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year student performances will be recorded at the Des Moines Civic Center in June with safety protocols and no live audience. Supporters are invited to view the performances during a special Iowa PBS broadcast on Friday, July 9 at 8:30 p.m.
Additional honors and recognition for all 78 schools in this year’s program will be available in a special online gallery at DMPA.org that will launch on July 9, 2021 in tandem with the Iowa PBS broadcast.
The IHSMTA is a year-long, signature education initiative of Des Moines Performing Arts.
