May 18, 2020
Finn McGinnis Wins Best Supporting Actor at 2020 Shuler Awards
Just days and hours before the entire nation was encouraged to stay home due to the need for social distancing, the Prince Fine Arts department hosted the final official Prince event before quarantine – the spring high school production of Guys and Dolls. The production was enjoyable, creative, and fun, and it was loaded was talented performances by Prince students. One of those performances received renewed recognition this week as junior Finn McGinnis received Best Supporting Actor at the prestigious 2020 Shuler Awards Ceremony.
“We are extremely proud of Finn,” says Prince drama teacher and show director Hannah Hunt. “He was amazing in his role as Nathan Detroit and so deserving of this honor.” Mrs. Hunt explains that Finn takes direction well and is an extremely hard worker. “His talent is natural, but he does not rely on that alone. He digs into each of his characters and gives his all at every rehearsal.”
Prince Fine Arts Director LaMurl Morris describes Finn, who also plays varsity football, as a well-rounded student with varied interests. “In addition to his natural talent, Finn works extremely hard in balancing his fine arts, academic, and athletic pursuits. Finn is a young man of high integrity who honors the Lord in all that he does. It is an honor to teach and work with him in the classroom, during rehearsal, and on stage.”
Finn himself expressed shock and surprise at his own accomplishment. “There are so many incredibly talented performers nominated for these awards. I never expected to be one of them, but I’m absolutely thrilled to represent Prince Avenue!” In addition, Finn did not hesitate in giving credit to his peers. “I’m so proud of the entire cast and crew; none of this would have been possible without them. Our Fine Arts program under Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Hunt has molded me into the actor I am today, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of their work in my life. Most of all I’m thankful for the gifts and abilities God has granted me in order to glorify him through the arts.”
The Shuler Awards are modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards and celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre in the state of Georgia. Seventy-five schools from throughout Georgia participate in the adjudication process. (Eight of those schools were not able to participate this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.) There are five major categories for student awards, and Prince received nominations in three of the five. Congratulations to the Prince Fine Arts Department on their excellent showing in the Shuler Awards nominations and awards process.
