What a glorious feeling for the Department of Theatre

The Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts received eight Betty Lynn Buckley Awards, recognizing their superior work in musical theatre. The Department of Theatre at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts took home the honor of Best Musical for the student led production of Singin’ in the Rain.  Kathryn Childress, who received the only nomination and award for Excellence in Direction, directed the Musical.  The award winning performers include Jay Johnson (Don Lockwood) for Best Actor, Ahmad Simmons (Cosmo Brown) for Best Supporting Actor and Kendell Pinkney (Tenor) for Best Ensemble Actor.  With many performers who are “triple threats” (Performers who sing, act, and dance.), it should be no surprise to find familiar names among the award winners. For Excellence in Choreography, Jay Johnson and Ahmad Simmons each received an award for Beautiful Girl, Broadway Rhythm and All I Do is Dream of You. Production categories round out the list with Clay Hudson for Best Scene Design (Budget Level I) and Tate Ellis for Best Costume Design (Budget Level I).
 
The Betty Lynn Buckley Awards, named in honor of Fort Worth’s own Tony award-winning actress Betty Lynn Buckley, celebrates excellence in musical theatre production among participating Tarrant County high schools. A panel of distinguished judges critiques each High School production and votes for a winner.  The event was held and presented by Casa Mañana Theatre and the Junior League of Fort Worth.