It was an incredible weekend of learning and top notch musical theater presentations for our local Coronado Middle School students! On February 3-5 students enrolled in the CMS Advanced Performing Arts (APA) class attended the Musical Theatre Competition of America (MTCA) at Fullerton College. Under the direction of veteran teacher Ms. Linda Kullmann, the students performed an advanced ensemble number of the Lion King and a revue featuring the work of Alan Menken. Individual students also competed as soloists, duet teams, and entered original set and costume designs for professional review. The class, which is comprised of students from grades 6, 7, and 8, put their best jazz and tap feet forward, had fun, and captured several coveted awards.
MTCA was founded to provide an enjoyable educational and competitive experience for high school, junior high school, and middle school musical theatre students. They are dedicated to “helping directors build their musical theatre programs by providing ensembles and individual students the opportunity to perform for experienced adjudicators in a quality theatrical venue.”
“I am always in awe of what my students gain from this experience. The theme that resonated among my class was teamwork. A week before we left for the competition, the flu hit us hard and we were down 1/3 of the students in the class. The students rallied together and made two amazing performances. I am so proud. There is no other competition of this caliber available to us and I am so fortunate we can make the annual trip.”
Kelli Morris, an APA 8th grader, described the experience as “An amazing week-end full of excitement, team-building, new friendships and lots of hard work. The things that I learned at MTCA will most-definitely aid me as I continue pursuing my passion for the Arts”
Eighth grade student, Eric Carlson, received the Triple Threat Award, the most distinguished individual honor bestowed in the MTCA competition. Describing the experience he said, “MTCA was a moving weekend. It was the opportunity to go and compete alongside peers that have the same passion as you do. I made long-lasting friendships and learned so much under the guidance of a spectacular teacher. Hope to do it again!” Featured ensemble vocalist Trystan Davenport agreed adding, “It was probably the best weekend I have had because I got to do what I love: acting, singing and dancing. Everyone there was so supportive and they gave me great feedback that will really help me in the future of musical theatre. I can’t wait to go back next year!”
Overall, CMS earned awards in the following categories:
- 1st place 6th grade vocal solo – Madeline Tulagan (this was the first time sixth graders attended the competition)
- Costume Design – 3rd place Marina Luna, 2nd place Lauren O’Donnell
- Set Design – 3rd place Claire Gibson, 2nd place Alex Hurlburt, 1st place Lauren O’Donnell
- The Judges Award Outstanding Female Vocalist Advanced Ensemble – Trystan Davenport
- Musical Review – 3rd place
- Advanced Ensemble – 3rd place
- Cattle Call Audition Production Number – CHS Maya Vidal, CMS Alex Hurlburt, Worth McGarey, Kelli Morris, and Annabel Roth
- Triple Threat award – Eric Carlson
- Additionally, Coronado High School freshman Maya Vidal received 3rd place honors in the Vocal Solo category
Coronado residents are encouraged to see these talented students perform live when they present the Lion King on March 17 6pm, March 18 2pm and 6pm and March 19 at 2pm. For more information about APA and forthcoming performances please visit the CMS website.
