Avon’s stage production of “Big Fish” earned recognition in four categories at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s annual Stars of Tomorrow awards ceremony last week at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester.
In the individual awards categories, seniors Michael C. and Gabbie K. were recognized in the Overall Excellence in Performance in a Leading Role category for their portrayals of Will Bloom and Sandra Bloom, respectively. “Big Fish” was also recognized in the Excellence in Production Design and Excellence in Production Crew categories.
Audrey S. led the backstage crew for “Big Fish” as the student stage manager. A senior, Audrey said she was surprised to learn she and her fellow crew members had been recognized.
“To be honest, I didn't know that the crew received awards at the Stars of Tomorrow's ceremony,’” she said.
For “Big Fish,” and stage productions in general, Audrey said the biggest challenge is balancing having fun with doing your job and ensuring the show proceeds smoothly.
“Connecting with your team members while also being in a position of authority can also be difficult,” she said, “but when you're all working toward a common goal, it almost always comes together in the end.”
Matt Campbell, the production design director for “Big Fish,” laid credit for Avon’s recognition in the Excellence in Production Design category squarely at the feet of his student crew members.
“I think Avon was recognized because the kids exhibited a consistent professionalism and dedication to putting on a quality show,” he said.
Other backstage, lighting and sound crew members for “Big Fish” were Gavin R., Alexxis S., Cassidy P, Ellah J., Abby S., Connor F., Kayla H., Isabella L., Violet F., Orcun K., Dominick G., Victor G., Ella O. and Josephine V.
Like Audrey, Gabbie K. was more than a little surprised when she learned she’d been recognized in the Overall Excellence in Performance in a Leading Role.
“I wasn't expecting it because there were some very talented and hard-working performers this year, but I was enthralled to receive the award and the support of my cast members,” she said.
Gabbie said portraying Sandra Bloom presented a unique challenge because the character’s age changes so drastically from the start of the show to the end.
“The story of Big Fish follows her throughout her life, so I had to show her when she was younger, auditioning for the circus and full of dreams and ambitions; as a college-aged student; and as an older mother whose husband is dying, and who acts as the bridge between her husband and son,” said Gabbie. “I had a bit more of a difficult time portraying her as a tired mother figure, but I felt like - or I at least hope that - I grew into it more as the weeks went by.”
Gabbie said she tried hard to portray Sandra as a fully fledged character and to imbue her with a sense of autonomy, distinct from her husband, Edward, and son, Will, the show’s two main protagonists.
“A lot of the parts Sandra appears in have to do with her husband, so I wanted to put an emphasis on her ambition and empathy to show that Sandra is more than just a wife,” Gabbie explained. “That, and the fact that I think that in any story, and especially any musical, what makes a good character and what makes a character relatable is seeing how that character reaches for their dreams and then seeing the emotions they experience as they do so. I think that those are important parts of anyone's life that people should stay in touch with.”
Gabbie and Audrey both look back fondly on their time in Avon’s drama program and said they’ll miss their fellow cast and crew members once they graduate in a few weeks.
“I think that there is a sense of belonging and togetherness with any sports team or club,” said Audrey. “Some of my best high school memories are working on stage crew, so of course I’ll miss them all.”
Added Gabbie: “I've met some amazing and very supportive people there. I feel like my peers onstage are always there to cheer me on, no matter how well I do or how badly I mess up. I think that theater has helped me gain some of the confidence through which I can express myself and talk to others that I had needed before I started performing.”
Photos courtesy of Maddy R.
Gabbie K. portrays Sandra Bloom during a dress rehearsal of Avon’s production of “Big Fish.”
Photos courtesy of Maddy R.
Michael C. Portrays Will Bloom during a dress rehearsal of Avon’s production of “Big Fish.”
Photos courtesy of Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Members of Avon’s cast of “Big Fish” perform at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s annual Stars of Tomorrow awards ceremony last week at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester.