The Franklin Players reward their best
The One Act Play Festival Gala Night saw players from the Franklin Players recognised for their hard work and dedication to their craft.
When the stage curtain at Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre rolls open to welcome the thespians of the Franklin Players, the audience are left with no other option but to watch, completely beguiled at the talent there to entertain them.
So, it should come as no surprise that this community theatre would spend an evening recognising the talents that form part of this organisaton, through an awards show. Its chairperson, Soné Pieterse, said the awards are part of the One Act Play Festival Gala Night, and take place once a year after their One Act Play Festival, “it’s a special night where we honor the outstanding work from the festival.” At the gala evening they have various categories, a few being best production and best director, which recognise the hard work and talent of everyone involved in the productions.
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The best performances and technical achievements, during the festival, are selected for the awards. “Winners are chosen based on the highest scores from our adjudicators,” said Pieterse, adding this ensures that the most deserving individuals, and teams, are recognised.
Pieterse shared, it is important to celebrate their thespians in this way as it rewards their hard work and dedication. As theatre requires significant time, effort, and passion, such an awards night validates their efforts, and encourages them to keep pursuing their artistic endeavors. She hopes such an event promotes feelings of pride, and joy, within the actors and actresses. “It reinforces the value of their contributions, and fosters a supportive and positive environment where everyone feels appreciated and encouraged.”
Daniel Solomons, who received the best actor award, said Franklin has come to be a sanctuary where he can fully immerse himself in the magic of creativity and discovery of new facets of his personality. Hearing her name being called as the best actress winner made Tess Doust, feel incredible. “For me, it was a profound affirmation of my skills, especially considering the moments of struggle I faced in developing this particular character.” For Louise Daneel, who also walked away with a best actress award, the organisation has been a beam of light for her. One that has allowed her to meet people she describes as ‘incredible souls’, driven with a passion that will leave you in awe.
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Though his passion has always been music, best supporting actor, David Clarke says his transition to theatre was unexpected, yet incredibly rewarding. The transition allowed for an opening to a whole new world of storytelling and expression.
It was an honour for Tracey von Bulow to get the best supporting actress award, as it makes all the practice, and her character in the play, so worthwhile, “I loved my character role this year. I believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that one has to love the story, and character that you play, in order to become that character.”
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