Drama Department’s one-act play earns Critic’s Choice award at State competition

MILWAUKEE – The Tomahawk High School (THS) Drama Department’s one-act play earned a prestigious award at the State competition.

The students recently competed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee after punching their ticket to State at the Sectionals competition in Oconto Falls earlier this month.

The performance at State earned the Critic’s Choice award, which is the equivalent of a State championship, Director Michele Balda explained.

Since Balda began directing in 1991, THS has earned Critic’s Choice two other times, in 2001 and 2018.

THS also received Outstanding Technical Theatre, which recognizes the crew; Outstanding Ensemble for both cast and crew; and Outstanding Directing, honoring Balda and Corey Colburn.

Individual Outstanding Acting Awards went to Sadie Ruder, Alena Cerkas, Madeline Long and Landon Plantenberg.

“The kids, Corey and I are overwhelmed,” Balda stated. “(The) kids had a great experience and represented us well.”

Balda noted that the Tomahawk performers received “so many compliments from their peers who recognized them throughout the day.” 

“We are so proud,” Balda said.