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Cappies marks 10 years of talent

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Caroline O'Neill and Peter Robb

Canada’s Capital Cappies celebrated its 10th anniversary in a typically rousing Gala at the NAC Sunday night.

The show honoured performers, critics and those behind the scenes of the 35 productions staged during the 2014-15 season. The night also marked the hundreds of shows and thousands of students who have taken part in Cappies since its founding in Ottawa in 2005.

While the program today has 38 participating schools from both sides of the Ottawa River and across the region, Ruth Dunley, who brought the program to Ottawa, remembered the challenge of launching Canada’s Capital Cappies.

“There was no guarantee we could make it work for one year let alone 10,” said Dunley.

The former Citizen journalist first heard about the program at a conference near Washington, D.C., where the Cappies was first launched 16 years ago. She returned home determined to get the program started, and with the support of her employer and educators from both Ottawa boards, Canada’s Capital Cappies launched in 2005 with 15 participating schools as the first Canadian chapter.

“A decade later, I think it’s really incredible that the students and teachers across Ottawa have built this great tradition, and I hope it’s a tradition that will continue for many more years.”

The Critics and Awards Program, better known as Cappies, started following the Columbine massacre. The founders wanted to showcase, in a positive light, teens involved in the performing arts in high school.

“Prior to Cappies, I don’t think that drama programs in the high schools had as much recognition; we were sort of one of those best-kept secrets,” said Katie Lewis-Prieur, Cappies program director and chair of the committee that oversees the program. After three years, she will step down as program director but will stay as chair. “All of sudden, we had people rooting for us.”

  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • Cappies nominees for Best Emsemble in a Musical from Philemon Wright High School arrive on the Red Carpet, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • Cappies nominees for Critic Team from Bell High School arrive on the Red Carpet, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • Cappies nominees for Critic Team from Sacred Heart Catholic High School arrive on the Red Carpet, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The Cappies Chorus rehearses their musical numbers, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • Cappies nominees for Make-up from A.Y Jackson Secondary School arrive on the Red Carpet, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • Cappies nominee Gaelan O'Shea for Lead Actor in a Musical, Merivale High School, arrives on the Red Carpet, prior to the start of the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • Students perform an excerpt from The Addams Family: The Musical, A. Y. Jackson S. S., during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Featured Actress In a Play: Madison Baines, Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School for The Laramie Project, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Male Dancer: Josh Alcantara, A. Y. Jackson Secondary School for The Addams Family: The New Musical Comedy, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Choreography: Gaelan O'Shea (R) and Kate van den Berg (L), Merivale High School for Singin' in the Rain, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Female Critic: Sarah Priscus, Mother Teresa High School, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Female Dancer: Kiana Gibson, Merivale High School for Singin' in the Rain, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Male Critic: Thomas Power, Bell High School, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Featured Actor In a Play: Zach Ferguson, Gloucester High School for Cue for Treason, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Featured Actor In a Musical: Jacob Taylor, A. Y. Jackson Secondary School for The Addams Family: The New Musical Comedy, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Featured Actress In a Musical: Vicky Murat, Earl of March Secondary School for Fiddler on the Roof, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Critic Team: Bell High School, is accepted by Soren Wainio-Theberge during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Orchestra: The Earl of March Pit Band Earl of March Secondary School and for Song: "The Dream", Earl of March Secondary School for Fiddler on the Roof, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Critics' Favorite Musical: The Addams Family: The New Musical Comedy, A. Y. Jackson Secondary School, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015, in Ottawa, Ont.(Jana Chytilova / Ottawa Citizen) ORG XMIT: 0607_CappiesGala_027

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Critics' Favorite Play: The Madwoman of Chaillot, Elmwood School, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015, in Ottawa, Ont.(Jana Chytilova / Ottawa Citizen) ORG XMIT: 0607_CappiesGala_029

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Critics' Favorite Musical: The Addams Family: The New Musical Comedy, A. Y. Jackson Secondary School, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Critics' Favorite Play: The Madwoman of Chaillot, Elmwood School, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Lead Actress in a Play: Sarah Dolan, Sir Robert Borden High School for The Angelina Project, runs onto the stage to accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Lead Actress in a Musical: Bernice Reyes, Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School for The Sound of Music, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Lead Actor in a Musical: Christian Garnons-Williams, Earl of March Secondary School for Fiddler on the Roof, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Lead Actress in a Play: Sarah Dolan, Sir Robert Borden High School for The Angelina Project, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Supporting Actress in a Musical: Olivia Coffin, Merivale High School for Singin' in the Rain, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Supporting Actor in a Musical: Matthew Landon, John McCrae Secondary School for Hair, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Lead Actress in a Play: Sarah Dolan, Sir Robert Borden High School for The Angelina Project, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Lead Actor in a Play: Caelen Corrigan, Holy Trinity Catholic High School for A Midsummer Night's Dream, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Supporting Actor in a Play: Carl Cachero, Holy Trinity Catholic High School for A Midsummer Night's Dream, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Supporting Actress in a Play: Molly McGuire, St. Francis Xavier High School for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Marketing and Publicity: Chelsea Atwood (L), Brandon Hoang (R) and Elle Mills (M), St. Joseph High School for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Marketing and Publicity: Chelsea Atwood (L), Brandon Hoang (R) and Elle Mills (M), St. Joseph High School for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Creativity: Molly McGuire, Lyric Writing, St. Francis Xavier High School, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Female Vocalist: Danielle Hebert, Philemon Wright High School for Grease, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen
  • The winner(s) for Male Vocalist: Brett Riddiford, A. Y. Jackson Secondary School for The Addams Family: The New Musical Comedy, accept(s) their award, during the 10th annual Cappies Gala awards, held at the National Arts Centre, on June 07, 2015.

    Jana Chytilova / The Ottawa Citizen

Student critics are trained at the beginning of each year to write a review and critically examine a theatrical production. After a show, five reviews are selected for publication in the Citizen. At the end of the year, critics vote on a slew of awards. The winners in each category are announced at the gala.

For Julianna Weldon, the student director of A Murder Most Fouled Up, involvement in the Cappies program is something to be proud of.

“I am so proud of all of the people who put all of their time and effort into this dream I had, I am so happy for them.”

The Grade 12 student at St. Paul Catholic High School has been involved in Cappies as a critic and in productions.

“You get to see the entire production, not just the performance,” said Weldon, whose show received nominations for special effects, sets and acting. “You really get to see the full view of everything.”

Beyond recognition, the Cappies helps break down barriers.

“It opened up a good dialogue between theatre students in the community and between high schools so that they would talk about each other’s productions,” said Greg Wysynski, a vice principal at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School. He served as the Cappies program director before Lewis-Prieur.

Maria MacLean, a teacher at the Ottawa Jewish Community School, one of the schools involved, says she has seen the benefits of a program that includes students beyond the two main school boards in Ottawa.

“We don’t compete in sporting events frequently … it gives the kids a chance to interact with other schools,” said MacLean. “(It lets the students) appreciate others schools and learn from them.”

By The Numbers

There are three Cappies programs in Canada: Ottawa, Edmonton and Niagara.

Since 2005, 1,556 eligible voting critics have reviewed 306 shows.

This year, 275 student critics reviewed shows; 1,106 reviews were submitted for consideration and 175 were published in the Citizen (in print and on ottawacitizen.com).

The same show is often performed by more than one school each year. This year saw two productions of To Kill a Mockingbird and two of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Grease is the most popular show, with six performances in all. There have also been four productions each of Lucky Stiff and Little Shop of Horrors.


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