WHS Drama Society Wins State Finals Again

The Winthrop High School Drama Society has certainly earned its applause, as they’ve come in first at the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) state finals for the second year in a row. Out of 14 schools, Winthrop took the lead, right alongside Sharon High School and Weymouth High School.

“It’s unbelievable,” said drama teacher Karen Calinda, who was jumping and screaming right alongside the students when they found out they won. “It’s awesome but I wasn’t surprised. What the kids put together was strong so I knew we were definitely going to have a great production.”

The event, which spanned over three days, included back-to-back performances where the cast was able to learn from other students, and gain inspiration for future productions.

“It’s nice to see people supporting us for the preliminary competition as well as finals,” said Stage Manager, Cat Grimes, who received an award for Excellence in Stage Management, which is a rarity when it comes to awards that are given out at the annual event. Grimes shared that she called out nearly 60 cues to tech and cast members in the 35-minute show.

Prior to last year’s big win, the last time that Winthrop High came in first was in 2001 and this is the first time that the school has been recognized as first place winners two years in a row.

Senior Josh Boudrow, who played “Wrath,” one of the seven deadly sins, is happy to be ending his senior year with a big win.

“It never occurred to me last year that we would win, so it’s surreal winning two years in a row,” said Boudrow, who plans to stay involved after he graduates.

The cast and crew isn’t slowing down anytime soon as they are already preparing for their spring production of Sideways Stories from Wayside School, scheduled to be performed in May. For more information on tickets to the upcoming show, check out www.winthropdrama.com