The curtain rose on a riveting showcase of dramatic talent as fourteen dramatic productions took the stage at the Little Theatre in St. Andrew on Day One (April 14) of the National Drama Finals, part of the Jamaica Festival of the Performing Arts, hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
Over the course of the two-day event (April 14–15), 30 outstanding productions are set to captivate audiences, highlighting the very best in drama from across the island.
With over 280 entries submitted in this year’s cycle, only the best of the best—narrowed down through rigorous auditions and parish finals—earned their moment on the iconic Corporate Area stage. Across the two-day event, 30 productions are slated to perform, representing the vibrant diversity and creative depth of Jamaica’s drama scene.
Day one featured performances in Improvisation, One-Woman Production, and Straight Drama, with a diverse mix of schools and theatre groups stepping into the spotlight. Among the participants were: The Queen’s School, American International School of Kingston, Watsonton Primary School, Innswood High School, Towers Performing Arts & Cultural Kaleidoscope, Garvey Vision Studio, Constant Spring Primary School, Denbigh High School and the Enid Bennett High School.
But it was St Jago High School from St Catherine that stole the show. The school’s drama club emerged as the standout of the day, sweeping four major titles. Their gripping one-woman play, “Too Late to Cry”, earned: Best Intermediate Play, Best One-Woman Production, Best Intermediate Actress (Davia Ellis), Best Intermediate Director (Vanessa Gardener-Raynor). 
Other winners included: Constant Spring Primary School, taking home Best Gospel Drama for “Church Loan”. St Andrew High School for Girls, awarded Best Intermediate Improvisation. Towers Performing Arts & Cultural Kaleidoscope, dominating with Best Adult Improv and Best Overall Improvisation. Port Antonio High School, winner of Best Straight Drama for “Coverless Book”. American International School of Kingston, awarded Best Intermediate Skit for “Benched”
Day One wrapped on a high note, leaving audiences eager for what’s to come on Day Two, as more schools and groups take the stage to compete, inspire, and celebrate the powerful art of drama.