Fafard wins top actor award

Sacred Heart High School student Corrigan Fafard received the Saskatchewan Drama Association's (SDA) highest acting honour at the annual Provincial Drama Festival (PDF) last week in Regina.

Fafard, reprising her regional award-winning role as nine-year-old Brianna in the SHHS production of In the Garden of the Selfish Giant was brilliant according to teacher Gregory Digout.

"It's difficult for many actors to play younger than themselves, but she was absolutely convincing in the part," he said.

"She's very natural and believable. She has it all. She's got voice, she's got facial expression, she's got movement."

Digout himself was also honoured by the SDA on the weekend with an Outstanding Achievement Award for accumulated dedication or achievement as an adult member of SDA.

"Recipients have shown a sustained and significant contribution to the promotion, growth and development of child and youth drama in Saskatchewan, as well as, attended and promoted professional development through communication and drama development programs," a press release stated. "The person has demonstrated respect for all individuals involved in the SDA and a commitment to the ongoing development of child and youth drama in the province.

Digout has been a member of SDA for 20 years, 16 of which he served on the board of directors including terms as president and festivals chair.

At Sacred Heart he has directed 20 plays winning the Region IV Drama Festival 11 times and best overall production three times at the provincial level.

Nevertheless, he downplayed the achievement.

"It's a little humbling," he said. "I was one of four who received the award and two of the people were founding members from 1973, so to be in the same grouping with them is quite an honour."

The SHHS production of Selfish Giant, directed by teachers Kim Wyatt and Teresa Hartman, was at the PDF by virtue of having won best overall production at the Region IV Festival three weeks ago at Yorkton Regional High School.

Although it did not take home top honours in Regina, the play did garner the Best Technical Production given to the play demonstrating overall excellence in aspects of technical theatre such as lighting, sound, set design, costumes, make up, stage management, and crew work.

Michelle Puchala received an SDA Certificate of Merit for Acting Excellence for her portrayal of Maggie, as well as, the Debbie Baker CHEER (Cooperation, Honest Endeavour, Enthusiasm, Respect) Award as selected by her directors.

Hanna Hansen was the runner up in the Best Stage Manager category.

And Jaya Markham got a Certificate of Technical Expertise for her prop work.

Moose Jaw's Cornerstone Christian School took home the top prize, Best Overall Production, with their version of Admissions while Lampman School was runner up for their production of Boy Meets Girl: A Love Story.