Returning to Lyman and Lake Mary High School for the District 2 and 3 Thespian Festival has been one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for all Thespians at One School of the Arts. From performing in one-acts to presenting their very own Thespys, many students have been preparing for months in advance. Students look forward to their first Thespian Festival, first competitions, and many new experiences.
Harper Moreau, a 6th grader competing in Junior Thespians, has been working on her pieces since the beginning of the school year. These include a costume design for Beauty and the Beast Jr. and a Theatre Marketing presentation for Aladdin Jr.
“These projects are really fun to do, honestly,” said Moreau, “It feels like I’ve been preparing since I came to this school for this because I love both theater and projects, so it all came naturally.”
Other students, like Charlee Stepan, a freshman attending Senior Thespians for the first time after previously competing in Junior Thespians, are also looking forward to the experience.
“I just hope to gain more experience and knowledge,” Stepan says. “I’m excited to experience something more challenging. At Juniors, I learned not to be salty and to focus on having a good time instead of worrying about winning.”
Avery Stepan, a senior and president of the troupe, is fulfilling her presidential duties, in addition to competing. When asked about being president, she added:
“It’s a big responsibility, being our president, but I know I can handle it, and I know that Mrs. Corrie wouldn’t put me in a role I couldn’t manage. I’m just really grateful to lead such talented scholars and being able to call them my troupe.”
Cadence Payne, a sophomore who previously attended Junior Thespians, recently served as a lead technician in the musical James and the Giant Peach. She’ll be taking her prompt book to Districts to present.
“I really wanted to dive into what it means to be a stage manager and learn about all the different aspects of it,” Payne explains. “There are so many details you have to manage; like headshots, reports, and more. The stage manager holds the show together, and that’s taught me how to manage my time better.”
Many students are eagerly anticipating presenting at Districts this year, with hopes of scoring high enough to qualify for States.
The showcase to see these presentations and support your troupes is as follows:
ALICE IN WONDERLAND: The Junior Thespian Showcase on November 4th at 6 pm.
THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE: The Senior Thespian Showcase on November 11th at 6 pm.
Tickets are $10, so come out and support your thespians as you see them off to Districts!
