As the 24-25 school year comes to a close, students from the theater department work tirelessly to recreate their showing of “Little Women” for the National Thespian Festival. The stakes are high, as this marks a significant opportunity for the young performers to showcase their talents on a national stage. The festival, held at Indiana University in Bloomington, will bring aspiring actors, directors, and stagecraft students from across the country. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to network, learn, and compete in a series of performances, workshops and competitions.
“We’ve been rehearsing the entire show,” theater director Brooke Phillips said. “That has been a massive undertaking because not only do we have to relearn how it will play out, but we also have to find new actors too. We have a lot to prepare before school gets out, and every detail counts.”
The show, which had originally been performed last year, had to be refined and altered to meet the high standards of the national festival. Rehearsals were long and demanding, with students stepping into roles they hadn’t anticipated, all while making sure the magic of “Little Women” remained intact. The pressure was immense, but the students were determined to maximize the opportunity. In addition to the performances, the festival featured workshops led by industry experts. Topics ranged from audition techniques and vocal coaching to set design and stage management. These sessions provided invaluable insight for the students, giving them a chance to work alongside professionals who had years of experience in the theater world.
“I’ve been to three of our state thespians,” junior Alex Mezger said. ”This is our first time going to Nationals, and it’s exciting because we’ve never qualified before for any musical or performance, for that matter. When we learned the news, we spent a good hour going around the school and telling anyone who would listen to us.”
The festival also included the highly anticipated competition rounds, where individual students and groups were judged on everything from acting to technical theater. For many of the students, the competition was fierce. The judging panels included renowned theater professionals, and the top performers in each category received scholarships, which would aid them in their journey toward further education in the arts. Additionally, the best students in each field earned invitations to attend the prestigious International Thespian Festival later this year, a coveted honor that could open doors to even greater opportunities.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this show,” junior Sophronia Rowley said. “I sadly wasn’t able to get a part in the original stage show, but I’m glad that I’ve been given this opportunity.”
But the event isn’t just about competition, it’s a celebration of community and the shared love of theater. The festival brought together students from different walks of life, united by their passion for the stage. Participants had the chance to bond over shared experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate with others who understood the joys and challenges of the theater world. Late-night discussions and impromptu performances became regular occurrences, forging friendships that would last long after the festival’s conclusion.
For the theater department, the festival was more than just a performance. It was a reminder of the power of the arts to bring people together, to inspire, and to challenge. As the students prepared for their final performances, they were not just thinking about winning or losing, but about the larger impact of their craft. It was a chance to learn, to grow, and to be a part of something much bigger than themselves—a celebration of the transformative power of theater.
