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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 14, 2008 - 21 Plenty of drama at annual drama competition By Andrew Rae GRADE 11, BLAKELOCK t this time of the year, high schools from across Ontario compete in the greatest provincial drama event, the Ontario Sears Drama Festival. This competition is a long and grueling process. First of all, schools have to compete at the district level, after which a select few are able to move on to the regionals, then the provincials. Recently 11 Halton area high schools performed at Burlington Central High School. For T.A. Blakelock students, it was an opportunity to perform and show their theatrical heritage. I have been involved with Blakelock's Sears theatre group for two years and this year our submission was a student-written play, There? Student-written plays are a feature of Blakelock's involvement in Sears. Our school's commitment started in September, at the start of the academic year. The call was put out to those who wished to be part of a great TAB tradition. Student commitment extends to all aspects of theatre and includes writing, acting, stage management, set design, costume design, and make-up. By Christmas, we were taking shape and by January and February the real work was well underway. Rehearsals were every night and some were held on Sundays. The pressure was well worth it. The District Festival, held at Burlington Central, was a one-week event. All participants performed and by the end of the week only three were destined to move on. The adjudicator has a very challenging task. This year our adjudicator was Gordon Davis, a very formidable and knowledgeable person. He really knows his stuff. After a performance, and when nerves have settled a little, students return to their dressing room, and Davis arrives to give a private adjudication evaluation. During this time, he gives excellent advice and observations. He is very supportive and his criticism is most constructive, intended to assist us to grow, develop and improve. He is personal with his observations and affirms us when he mentions us by name and compliments on jobs well A done. This year, the Blakelock play was about human instinct, portrayed through fish. The fish are waiting for Dave to take them "there." As the fish wait for Dave, they show human instinct for searching for a new leader. Like humans, they suffer psychologically and socially. It was a comedic piece with a powerful message. At the end of the District Festival just three schools will proceed to the next level. Unfortunately, we did not make it through to the next round. We were all disappointed but every one of us is sure that we will make it "there" next year. Clearance . . . Electric Fireplaces For the Health of Our Community See store for details "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 Foreign-trained but can't find a job in your field? If you're a foreign-trained professional or business person looking for a job, improve your English and Canadian job search skills with... Planning to host a fundraising event in support of Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital? The Oakville Hospital Foundation can help. Contact us today to find out how you can join our Communtiy Partner Program. Visit www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com or call 905-338-4642 today for more information about the support we offer our valued partners. . Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Educated Professionals and Business People 8-week programs are FREE to qualified applicants and take place in Burlington. For more information, call 905-333-3499, ext. 264 or visit www.thecentre.on.ca This program is funded by Thank you for the health of our community!