Central High School's Marah Goff Wins an Issac Award for 'Footloose' Performance

The Isaac Awards recognized Central High School at the annual awards ceremony that was held in May.

Central's drama program was nominated for best dance for its title number "Footloose."

Izzy Boyer, who played Rev. Shaw Moore, was nominated in the category of best featured actor. He was one of the leads of the show. He is a freshman.

Freshman Marah Goff was nominated for and won best supporting actor in a female role for her role as Rusty.

Rachel Wagner, director of Central's production of Footloose, said that she is incredibly proud.

"Just the nominations themselves," Wagner said. "We were nominated in several categories. To have those three nominations was reward in itself since the drama program is so brand new.

"We were up against schools with decades-long theater programs. Just that recognition was excitement enough. It was an indescribable moment of pride."

Wagner said that the Isaac Awards is an incredible program not only because it gives students this pride and recognition, but it also shows them how big the arts is outside of their own school and own show.

Other than awards, it is a night to celebrate musical theatre in general.

"All of these schools are there in the same room and they all perform a number," Wagner said. "Every school gets to see parts of other school's plays. They can cheer for each other. It promotes camaraderie between the schools. It exposes them to other shows. It also exposes them to how profound the effects of being in theatre can be."

She added that she thinks that is the big take-away from it and also creates so much excitement for the future.

"You know, they want to aspire to get better and better each year to get more and more recognition."

Wagner said that she told her students from the auditions in the winter that, "Theatre is so much more than just performing a show. That truly has the ability to change your life as far as changing who you are from the confidence that gives you the ability to explore parts of yourself that you didn't know were there, the ability to work with others that you create something real and live and that is tangible."

She continued, "I didn't talk about winning an Isaac, but knowing that they're going to have judges coming, viewing the show and critiquing all of the elements gives them that push to do their very best not just for their parents but for a wider audience of the region."

Goff said that her character was a very funny, comedic role.

"It was required of me to have a strong belting voice and good ways of displaying strong friendship through all four of the girls," Goff said.

The participants in Central's first musical in 14 years practiced four times a week leading up to the show, which was on stage at the end of March and beginning of April. At one of their performances, Goff caught the eye of an Isaacs judge.

"I honestly didn't believe it (when they announced that I won)," Goff said. "It took me a while to comprehend that I did win, because the chances were so slim, with me being a freshman up against people with years of experience compared to me."

Goff believes that the awards show brings the kids together as a community because the world of theater is very small.

"Being with people and seeing what they do in other schools and going to their performances is a lot of fun and it gives the kids something to work toward knowing that the Isaac Awards are a thing at the end of the season," Goff said. "I think it draws more people in and makes more people join and fall in love with theatre."

Goff also mentioned her appreciation for Miss Wagner.

"I want to thank Miss Wagner, our director, for making some changes and working around my busy schedule and teaching me everything that I know," Goff said. "I would not be where I am without her."