Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) won three of the 15 categories at the ninth annual Blumenthal Performing Arts High School Musical Theatre Awards on May 29 at Charlotte's Belk Theater. CATA was the only school to win three awards out of the 41 that attended the event.

CATA won the Tier 2 Wells Fargo Best Musical Award for their production of "Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition” and was also honored for Best Student Orchestra and Best Student Stage Manager (Margo Smith).

"I like being one of the moving pieces to help pull every aspect of the show together," said Margo. "When working with such creative minds, writing things down or knowing what time it is can be highly important to the whole cast and crew. Being in charge of keeping the show moving is always rewarding."

Margo hopes to continue stage managing and helping with even bigger projects.

"The Blumeys give us all a chance to be recognized for the hard work we put into a show. I feel incredibly lucky and proud to be able to represent my school and our work. I also feel seen and appreciated," said Margo. "It can be difficult at times to connect with the cast. As a crew member, you share big moments but in different ways. The Blumeys give the actors, actresses and crew equal representation."

Casey Starkey, the school's theatre director, characterized the show as a powerful opportunity for high school students to empower themselves by playing people their own age while finding ways to better themselves, their communities and their school.

"This musical is all about not allowing life’s challenges to become excuses for making poor choices. This show reminds all of us that our words carry great weight," said Starkey. "I cannot begin to properly applaud these students enough for their achievement in putting on this production, for the way they have supported each other, and for the complete joy it has been to get to know all of them these past few months."

06/14/2022