Mighty Wall Players are State Festival bound

The Mighty Wall Players are headed for the State One Act Play Festival in Sioux Falls with their production of Gifts for Madge and Guy following their win at the Region 8 Contest in Pierre, last week. Seven west river schools participated in the contest held at T.F. Riggs High School Theater in Pierre on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Three Wall actors also brought home individual actor medals from the contest. Autumn Deering won a best actor award for her portrayal of Madge, Caitlin Ausmann received a medal in the role of Ethel and Madisen Grenstiner won an acting award for the grumpy Mrs. Fishbein. 

Gifts for Madge and Guy is scheduled to perform onstage at the Lorang Theater at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 5:00 p.m. (CST). The public is invited to attend the performance, and there is no admission charge. 

Wall will not be competing against other schools at the festival, however each school is eligible for a superior rating on the play, and students are eligible for individual acting awards. The play is directed by Ron Burtz, assisted by Dave Olson and Cheyenne McGriff. 

For the first time since 2013, both the Wall and Philip drama teams are advancing to the state festival. Philip will present their play The Hood of Sherwood at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 as well. 

An encore public performance of Gifts for Madge and Guy is scheduled for 6:05 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Powerhouse. Admission is free.