After a two year hiatus, the annual Battle of the Howells is making its return. Battle of the Howells is an event held by the drama clubs at FHN, FHC and FHHS, where each school competes in improv, vocal solo, duet acting and monologue events. Drama Club President Piper Orzel looks forward to her first Battle of the Howells as a competitor.

“I’m excited to perform and compete in it,” Orzel said. “Because last time I got to experience Battle of the Howells I was a freshman and an audience member. So I’m excited to do it again, but with a different perspective.”

Battle of the Howells was canceled in the 2020-21 school year due to COVID and in the 2021-22 school year because of a combination of weather issues and COVID diagnoses.

“So, last year, we had it completely planned but postponed because of the weather,” Orzel said. “And then a bunch of people got COVID at the other schools, so we had to cancel it.”

Kim Sulzner, the Drama Club sponsor and Director of Theatre Arts, sees Battle of the Howells as an opportunity for students to practice for state competition. At Battle of the Howells, the improv teams go head to head in the games that they could be asked to play at competition and students competing in individual events, such as vocal solo and duet acting, perform their acts for the judges.

“We have a judge from each of the three schools that are independent, they’re not teachers, they’re usually former students,” Sulzner said. “They use the actual rubrics that are used at [competition], so kids can get feedback.”

Battle of the Howells will be held at FHC on Dec. 19 and is free to attend. To get involved with Drama club, contact Kim Sulzner or a Drama Club Officer, such as Piper Orzel, for more information.