Lancer Productions: 9 to 5 Wins 19

It was definitely a lot of work but so worth it! -- Ryenne Lacher, Triple Threat Nominee (Judy Bernly)

As Lancer Production’s spring musical, 9 to 5: The Musical, came to a close, the anticipation for the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards was undeniable. The Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards — or the IHSMTAs — is a state wide event that celebrates “students, educators, and schools across the state who have brought unforgettable performances and productions to life this season.” Following the official announcement on May 7th, North Scott’s production broke school records with 19 total awards and was chosen to perform on the mainstage at the IHSMTA showcase. These accomplishments show just how phenomenal the cast and crew did on this show and recognizes how much work and love they have put into the production.

Lancer Production's Awards From IHSMTA

• Outstanding Production and selected to perform in Des Moines

• Outstanding Ensemble

• Outstanding Achievement in a principle role: Ryenne Lacher as Judy Bernly

• Outstanding Achievement in a principle role: Natalie Sierk as Doralee Rhodes

• Outstanding Achievement in a principle role: Gabrielle Andersen as Roz Keith

• Outstanding Achievement in a principle role: Isaiah Serrano as Franklin Hart Jr.

• Outstanding Community Engagement - partnering with Dress for Success Quad Cities and Argrows House to support and bring awareness to organizations supporting women’s empowerment

• Outstanding Achievement in a behind the scenes role: Gabrielle Andersen (Kaitlyn Knepper, Riley Johnson, Addyson Yanke) for Business

• Outstanding Achievement in a behind the scenes role: Haidyn Kober & Emma Zrostlik for Props & Scenic

• Outstanding Achievement in a behind the scenes role: Aiden Kelsey for Lighting Design

• Outstanding Achievement in a behind the scenes role: Madilyn Brus for Stage Management

• Special Recognition in a principal role: Keegan Panther as Joe

• Special Recognition in a principal role: Lauren Pawloski as Violet Newstead

• Special Recognition in a behind the scenes role: Eva Wyatt for Costume Design

• Special Recognition in a behind the scenes role: Kyla Stone for Choreography

• Triple Threat Nominee - Ryenne Lacher

• Triple Threat Nominee - Natalie Sierk

• IHSMTA Technical Theater Scholarship Recipient: Gabrielle Andersen for Makeup Design

• IHSMTA Technical Theater Scholarship Recipient: Aiden Kelsey for Lighting Design

All About Gabby

Senior Gabby Andersen was the recipient of not one, not two, but three achievements from the IHSMTAs. As the head of the PR team, Gabby received an outstanding achievement in a behind the scenes role for her work in the business side of theater. Gabby says, “I have spent countless hours on the marketing for 9 to 5, so receiving outstanding achievement for business is a huge honor for us.” Gabby truly is the mastermind behind the marketing you see for 9 to 5. She designed the school posters with 70s/80s inspiration, created designs for the instagram posts, and is of course the ingenious editor behind the “Up Late With Ryenne” TikTok series. Her work promoting the shows plays a huge role in getting the public to come see everyone’s hard work putting the musical together and rewards everyone on the cast and crew. Gabby also received an outstanding achievement award for her principal role as Roz Keith. She says, “I love making people laugh, and I’m so happy that I have done that job and done it well enough to receive this award.” As Mr. Hart’s administrative assistant, and resident office snitch, her unrequited love for the boss is showcased in songs, “Heart to Hart” and “5 to 9.” Gabby shined through these numbers. Between her incredible comedic dedication and exceptional vocals, Gabby stole the show each time she stepped on stage and the audience laughs are clear proof of her mastery. If you aren’t yet convinced that she can do it all, Gabby also was one of five students in the state to receive an IHSMTA Technical Theater Scholarship of $2,000 for her makeup design excellence. Gabby has been doing show makeup since freshman year and has had a passion for makeup for even longer. She presented her designs for 9 to 5 along with the designs from two of her favorite shows to work on, Charlotte’s Web and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She emphasizes that “makeup design is often overlooked in the theatre world” and says she is “honored to represent makeup designers as the winner of the hair, makeup, and costuming division.” One of the five recipients of the technical theater scholarship will receive an additional $3,000 presented at the IHSMTA Showcase. Gabby shows a true dedication to acting well her part in all aspects of theater and she receives this praise with humility and gratitude. She says, “Overall, I am incredibly proud to be surrounded by the hardworking and talented people in Lancer Productions who have pushed me to be the best business manager, makeup designer, and performer I can be.”

Triple Threat x Two!

Another huge accomplishment for North Scott is sending two nominees to compete for the Triple Threat Award. The recipient of this award moves on to compete at the national level in the Jimmy Awards. Senior Ryenne Lacher and sophomore Natalie Sierk will be both be heading to Des Moines to compete for this incredible recognition. In order to qualify for a nomination, actors had to receive an outstanding achievement for their principal role. They also had to submit two videos of them singing, one piece from the show and the other a piece of choice. For Ryenne’s submission she sang “Get Out and Stay Out” from 9 to 5 and “The Beauty Is” from The Light in the Piazza, and for Natalie’s submission she sang “Shine Like the Sun” from 9 to 5 and “Monster” from Disney’s Frozen. They also had to write a statement of interest, essentially a short essay on how the experience would be valuable to them, and a dance recording which all competitors learned from an online recording. Ryenne says, “we started learning the dance call about a month before all of our stuff was due, and this was definitely the hardest part for me since I’m not much of a dancer.” They also submitted a headshot and a resume documenting their performance experience. Ryenne says, “I have looked up to the Triple Threat Program ever since I learned what it was my freshman year. It has been a big goal and dream of mine to participate. I’m so excited to see what it has to bring, and I’m even more excited to experience it with one of my best buddies. We’ve already started learning some music, we’ve got one more essay to write, and then we’re on our way to Des Moines on May 20th!” Lancer Productions could not be more proud of these two girls and cannot wait to see what they accomplish in Des Moines.

Pride Shines Through

These are just a few of the many students, staff, and directors who made 9 to 5 so successful and are being rewarded for their commitment on a state level. Troupe director, Stacie Kintigh, says, “when I opened the awards email, I was truly overwhelmed! I had hoped we would do well, but I never imagined 19 awards! Our directing staff is so proud of our students’ work, dedication, and accomplishments!” The cast and crew has a lot in store for them these next two weeks between rehearsals, workshops, and more in Des Moines to prepare for the IHSMTA Showcase May 29th. Wish them luck and tune in to see them perform on the mainstage!