“We have had a lot of requests from persons who have already seen the show however individuals and groups who have heard about its impact make up the majority. They really want to experience it for themselves and we are more than happy to provide that opportunity.”

GOD’s WAY copped three Actor Boy Awards this year including New Jamaican Play, the genre award for Drama while Ainsley Whyte copped the Actor in a Supporting Role award. Since its opening, both Christians and non-Christians have found the show to be immensely entertaining. The story, mainly focused on the test of faith, is extremely engaging because of its realistic portrayal of the situations and characters. The wonderful blend of intense drama and laugh-out-loud comedy also makes it a total package for the entire family

Harris says the play has more than confirmed the need to expand the diversity of theatrical productions on a more consistent basis.

“Our patrons were as pleased with the message as they were by the option the show provided in terms of entertainment. More and more they are opting for shows suitable for the entire family and they are also becoming selective that the kinds of messages being presented are positive and inspirational. Gospel theatre not only addresses those needs but adds a spiritual element not commonly found on the commercial stage. Our aim is to sustain that presence.”

Once again the producers are offering special benefit packages to church groups, schools and other organisations to assist with their fundraising efforts. They are however warning that based on demand interested groups will have to book soon.

“It’s a limited run so there are fewer opportunities for benefit shows and already we have had quite a few bookings. Several groups were disappointed that they missed out on the initial run and if they wait much longer they will miss this opportunity as well”.

Information on group bookings and benefits may be obtained at 352-6180 or theatrejamaica09@yahoo.com

Four years before Jamaica celebrated its landmark 50th year of political independence, Kerine Miller wrote a children’s pantomime to fill a void in entertainment for children in Jamaica (apart from JCDC and specifically children’s movies what else is there, she asks). However, it is also the genesis of a three-year plan to expand on the values built into The GEM, the title of the production running on weekends this month … more here

AWARDS BY PRODUCTION
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ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (6)
COSTUME DESIGN
FR. HOLUNG & FRIENDS CHOREOGRAPHY
SPECIAL EFFECTS
ORIGINAL SONG
ORIGINAL SCORE
MUSICAL

LAST CALL (3)
BEST PRODUCTION
EIGHT SEVEN SIX LIGHTING DESIGN
SET DESIGN

CHARLIE’S ANGELS (3)
COMEDY
JAMBIZ INTERNATIONAL ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE
DIRECTOR

GOD’S WAY (3)
NEW JAMAICAN PLAY
DMH PRODUCTIONS DRAMA
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

WHERE IS MY FATHER? – ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
BASIL DAWKINS PRODUCTIONS

BACK-A-YAAD – ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE
DMH PRODUCTIONS

ANANCY CHAPTAZ CHILDREN’S THEATRE
DI BEGINNING
INDEPENDENT ACTORS MOVEMENT

The Awards show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. on the new date. This year’s honoree is the Edna Manley School of Drama, which for the last 50 years has shouldered the responsibility of the training and education of theatre practitioners.

When? Saturday March 24 | 11 a.m.
Where? Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, UWI

If this sounds like you, give it a shot or pass it.

Director – Brian Heap.
Music – Michael Harris
Choreography – Mike Holgate
Set – Paul Hamilton
Costumes – Quindell Ferguson

Also in the running are the Jambiz International comedies ‘Breadfruit Kingdom’ with ten nominations and ‘Charlie’s Angels’ with seven along with ‘Where is my Father?” by Basil Dawkins Productions. The only Drama nominee in that category, ‘Where is My Father?’ also comes in with seven nominations.

Renowned theatre practitioner Trevor Nairne O.D. has nabbed five individual nominations for the ITI Jamaica Chapter’s 2011 Actor Boy Awards. Nairne has received double nominations for Directing and Set Design along with a nomination for Costume Design. Also impressing the judges with their work are Robin Baston with four nods for Special Effects, Lighting and Set Design, while Patrick Brown and newcomer Keiran King grab three each. Choreographer and many times winner Paula Shaw stamped her mark on that category with three nods for ‘Acts of the Apostles’, ‘Last Call’ and ‘Anancy Chaptaz-Di Beginning’. Shaw is the only nominee to cop three nominations in a single category.

Double nominations are down for Glen Campbell in the category Actor in a Lead Role for his work in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Breadfruit Kingdom’, Nadean Rawlins for her Lead Role in ‘Not About Eve’ and Supporting Role in ‘Where is my Father?’, Owen Ellis for directing and starring in his one man show ‘UN’, Damion Radcliffe – New Jamaican Play and Special Effects for ‘Anancy Chaptaz-Di Beginning’ and Dahlia Harris-New Jamaican Play and Actress in a Lead Role for ‘God’s Way’.

The ITI Actor Boy Awards is scheduled for Monday, March 26 2012 and serve, not only to applaud, the very best of Jamaican theatre, and provide an avenue through which theatre practitioners may be nationally recognised for their work. The event is under the auspices of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), so it is benchmarked to international standards.

Below we’ve featured the complete list of 2011 Actor Boy Award nominees, sorted by production.