It was a day full of laughter, speeches, music and fond farewells as the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) held its 14th Annual Scholarship Brunch last Sunday at the Flanders Hotel. The star-studded celebration honored area students for their artistic endeavors while recognizing local community members and organizations for their tireless contributions. Supporters enjoyed performances by cast members, a scrumptious buffet, silent auction and splendid atmosphere.
Michael Hartman, founding artistic director of OCTC, recognized the student honorees, noting that they are forever part of a local theatre family. “It’s a new novel that’s come out with OCTC in their lives, and this is the chance for them to put ‘The End’ on their young performing chapter,” he said.
This year’s scholarship recipients include Mackenzie Ade, Adriana Allen, Paloma Chevere, Kevonnah Cottman and Kate Michel, all recent graduates who will be attending college this fall.
Ade, who will be attending Catholic University of America, described the great memories and new people she has met throughout this experience. “I get to take the professionalism I’ve learned into future shows and collaborative settings,” she said.
Allen, fellow recipient, shared the valuable life lessons they had learned. “I have been taught that it’s okay to step away, take a breath, and start over again with a positive attitude,” said Allen, who plans to carry these lessons not just in the world of theatre but in the real world. “I am so grateful that Ocean City Theatre Company has given me a second home.”
Chevere, who plans to major in dance at Rowan University, moved to Ocean City with her family at age 11. Weeks later, their family noticed an audition sign outside of OCTC’s studio on West Avenue, a moment that changed her life.
“I was extremely introverted; Public speaking, mostly speaking on stage, seemed like a terrifying and scary nightmare that I had no desire to partake in. My mother insisted that I push myself out of my comfort zone, which to this day I’m incredibly grateful for,” Chevere said.
Cottman, future York College student, credited the welcoming environment and directors at OCTC for making her feel welcome and that there is no need to second guess yourself. “The amount of fun I had was unexplainable; I was entrusted with lines, placed as one of the feature dancers, and felt so much joy and excitement to come into rehearsal,” she said.
For Kate Michel, musical theatre and performing has been a huge part of her life. She described her experience in Ocean City with joy. “Summer is my favorite season because for the past three years, it has meant that I get to be reunited with my OCTC family and get to be reminded why I chose theatre,” she said.
Other highlights included the Star of the Show Award. This year’s recipients included the Colony Club of Ocean City, Martin Fielder of Just Right TV and Melissa Wilson. “OCTC is a treasure trove of wonderful people who have shaped younger students and cast members as they navigate their formative school years,” Wilson said.
Sunday’s brunch also included performances by professional cast members Andrew Limon and Megan Lozito, along with members of OCTC’s High School Junior Company, who recently performed in a musical adaptation of “The Prom.” Hartman praised the cast for exceeding expectations.
“The magic that they created on that stage was really powerful, and we’re so proud of that. They are so brave; they stepped up,” he said.
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a commitment to bring quality theatre to our region. Their mission to teach youth dance, music and theatre continues to grow, with multiple theatre camps throughout the summer and a Junior Company featuring local students. Its “Stars” summer program, which launched last year, welcomes individuals with developmental disabilities, creating opportunities for social interaction, skill building and collaboration.
Additionally, for the first time in OCTC’s history, two of their upcoming shows, “A Year with Frog and Toad” and “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition,” will include sign language interpreters.
“We are growing and we are thriving right now thanks to everyone in this room,” said Hartman.
