A group of seven UNCA drama student swept the competition in the national Theatre Technology Olympics held recently in Denver. This is the second time that UNCA has won the contest, making it only the second group to do so in the history of the Tech Olympics.

The Tech Olympics is part of a national convention of the U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology (U.S.I.T.T.), attended by more than 3,000 students, faculty and other theater professionals. UNCA placed first among nine teams in the overall event, which tests the speed and accuracy of backstage skills -- light hanging, properties shift, quick costume change, cut/saw/nail, and crosby-and-thimble, where competitors rig cable to hold scenery or people.

The winning UNCA team was made up of Jenny Bowen of Asheville, Lisa Kelder of Apex, Jeremy Sexton of Asheville, Terry Summers of Charlotte and Danny Tauber of Chapel Hill.

UNCA students also did well in individual contests. Tauber received the award for best overall technician; Bowen took first place in knots; Sexton took second place in crosby-and-thimble; Summers took third place in props change; Suzanne Cresswell of Clayton took third place in costume change; and Amanda Bayne of Greensboro won third in knots.

For more information about the chapter and its activities, call the chapter advisor, Robert Bowen, UNCA associate drama professor, at 828/251-6611.