Local Students Take Home Teenys

Young stars were shining in Southold Sunday at the presentation of the 2013 Teeny Awards, hosted by East End Arts.

Local students won big -- taking home a bevy of the beautiful glass trophies.

Local winners included Westhampton Beach's Rachel Rienecker and Jack Vicari, earning awards for leading actress and supporting actor in a comedy, in 'Arsenic and Old Lace.' Brian Rocha, of Eastport-South Manor, got the nod for lead actor in a drama for his role in 'Inherit the Wind,' with several other local students taking home awards.

“I've loved being part of the 10th and 11th years," Morgan Vaughan, Teeny Awards coordinator, said. "As for arts education, it’s much more valuable than many give it credit. Hard work, commitment, community, support, and never settling for just okay are only the beginning of the values a theatrical production instills in its players."

Highlights of the event included performances from this year's productions from the 17 participating high schools from across the East End; Bonnie Grice served as master of ceremonies. 

And the winners are:

DRAMA

Lead Actor in a Drama

Brian Rocha, Eastport-South Manor, "Inherit the Wind"

Lead Actress in a Drama

Nicole Chiuchiolo, McGann-Mercy, "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Supporting Actor in a Drama

Patrick O’Brien, McGann-Mercy, "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

 Supporting Actress in a Drama

Danielle Allen, McGann-Mercy, "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

COMEDY

Lead Actor in a Comedy

Sean Mannix, Shoreham-Wading River, "Don’t Drink the Water"

Lead Actress in a Comedy

Rachel Rienecker, Westhampton Beach, "Arsenic and Old Lace"

Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Jack Vicari, Westhampton Beach, "Arsenic and Old Lace"

Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Gwyn Foley, Mattituck, "Are Teachers Human?"

MUSICAL

Lead Actor in a Musical

John Coyne, Longwood, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

Lead Actress in a Musical

Emily Hinz, Pierson, "Funny Girl"

Supporting Actor in a Musical

Matthew Drinkwater, Greenport, "Guys & Dolls"

Supporting Actress in a Musical

Lea Giambruno, Shelter Island, "Legally Blonde"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

This category was created to recognize a student who shines brightly in a role that is not eligible for adjudication in the leading or supporting categories.

Rebecca Dwoskin, Pierson, "Funny Girl"

JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD

This award is for a particular scene, musical number, dance number, or group that the judges feel stands out enough to warrant special recognition. This year, the recipient is The Greek Chorus from Shelter Island’s "Legally Blonde."

CHOREOGRAPHY – TIE

Megan McGuinness and Jennifer Navarrete, Eastport-South Manor, "The Music Man"

Ryan Schaefer, Center Moriches, "The Wiz"

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE

Longwood, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

PLAYBILL/POSTER ART

Amanda Tomasello, Eastport-South Manor, "Inherit the Wind"

STAGE MANAGEMENT RECOGNITION

Mariah Brengel, Shoreham-Wading River

Jesse Buchter, Westhampton Beach

Ian Byrne, McGann-Mercy

Quinn Carey, McGann-Mercy

Helen Chen, Mattituck

Jaclyn Conway, Southold-Greenport Co-Production

Jaclyn Conway, Southold

Emily Fey, Center Moriches

Mayra Gonzalez, Mattituck

Jennifer Hall, Pierson

Melissa Hickox, Mattituck

Julie Lindell, Shoreham-Wading River

Kyra McAlary, Eastport-South Manor

Rae LaBorne, Pierson

Shelly Matthers, Pierson

Scott McVetty, Center Moriches

Kevin O’Brien, Center Moriches

Anne O’Rourke, Mattituck

Solomon Polshek, Ross

Christine Seppala, Longwood

Stephen Spinelli, Shoreham-Wading River

Jerilyn Toole, Riverhead

Zoë Vatash, Pierson

Kerrie Vila, Pierson

Sean Walden, Greenport

Rachel Williams, Riverhead

TECHNICAL DESIGN RECOGNITION 

Savannah Calderale, Southold, "Grease" Set Design

Denis Hartnett, Pierson, "Funny Girl" Set Design

Shane Hennessey, Pierson, "Funny Girl" Lighting Design

Catherine Penn, Westhampton Beach, "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Footloose"  Costume Design

Daniel Lilley, Longwood, "M*A*S*H*" Lighting Design

INNOVATIONS IN THEATRE EDUCATION

This award recognizes the efforts of a school that goes above and beyond to support exceptional theatre arts education. This year, Bridgehampton High School was recognized for its production of "A Night on Broadway: A Musical Revue," which was a non-book musical written, performed and produced by its students and volunteer staff.