Carroll Newsroom /

The second annual Miami Valley High School Theatre Awards (MVHSTA), like most spring events this year, were held virtually on the program’s Facebook page. The virtual festivities brought light and recognition to outstanding student productions across the greater Dayton area. 

The MVHSTA honored 13 members of Carroll’s drama club, The Freedom Players, for their work in the fall revival of The Little Dog Laughed. More than half of the awards received were earned by the students who worked behind the scenes to make theatre magic happen onstage.

Award Winners

• Outstanding Choreography: Mandi Weitz '20
• Merit Award for Lead Actor: Michael Taylor '20
• Merit Award for Lead Actor: Jack Foutch '23
• Merit Award for Supporting Actress: Grace Bete '23
• Merit Award for Supporting Actor: Christian Triplett '21
• Merit Award for Stage Management: Trey Blevins '21
• Merit Award for Lighting Design: Emma Meyer '22
• Merit Award for Sound Design: Andrew Connair '20
• Merit Award for Set Design: Megan Baron '20
• Merit Award for Costume Design: Harley Miniard '20 and Mireille Kuzwa '20
• Merit Award for Makeup Design: Marie Hughes '20 and Mandi Weitz '20

As Ohio closed all schools during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order, the Carroll Freedom Players were just one week away from their opening night of Bye Bye Birdie. The show was unable to be a part of the MVHSTA program.  Instead of a live ceremony, participating high schools took over the MVHSTA Facebook page in May to share their achievements. Freedom Players Director Toni (Hemmert) Weitz ‘86 shared that, though this season did not go as planned, “We do have great memories to cherish forever. I am so proud of these kids and their dedication and attitude.” 

Three of the seniors who won a MVHSTA this year plan to take their passion for the arts and make it into a lifelong career. Mandy Weitz ‘20, who won both Outstanding Choreography and a Merit Award for Makeup Design (with Marie Hughes ‘20), plans on majoring in Dance in The University of Cincinnati’s prestigious Conservatory program. Harley Miniard ‘20, who won a Merit Award for Costume Design with Mireille Kuzwa ‘20, will study Photographic Technology at Sinclair Community College. Trey Blevins ‘20, winner of a Merit Award for Stage Management, is moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film production.

“Great theatre is really about the people who make it happen,” Weitz said.  “These students make it happen.” To see the MVHSTA virtual ceremony events and highlights from the Carroll Freedom Players’ 2019-2020 season, visit the Miami Valley High School Theatre Award Facebook page.