Thespians’ Big Night

Jeyna Lynn Gonzales

“Participating in the International Thespian Festival has been a dream of mine for years, and I have had such a great first experience,” said Jeyna Lynn Gonzales, a Thespian from Troupe 6371 at J.R. Arnold High School in Panama City Beach, Florida, and a Thespys winner in the monologue category for her pieces from Tribes and Roosters. “My team and I have worked very hard to get here, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent my troupe, district, and state at the highest level possible for a high school Thespian. Let alone being the first group at my school to attend ITF, this is the first international award my troupe has received. I cannot wait to share the news with our principal!”

Trysten Williams, a Thespian from Troupe 6753 at G.W. Carver Magnet High School in Houston, Texas, earned a Thespy in duet acting with Cody Dixon for their performance from Fences. Williams said ITF has been “a wonderful experience for me to get valuable knowledge and meet new people from across the country. This week has been a roller coaster of emotions.”

The virtual nature of this year’s awards ceremony lends itself to performance. As a result, four additional students who received high rankings in their categories will be able to participate in the showcase, including Derek Norris, a Thespian from Troupe 2277 at Hutchinson High School in Kansas. “This festival has been an incredible experience so far,” Norris said. “I’m having a great time watching shows, going to workshops, and chatting with people … all while in my pajamas! The festival has meant so much to me this year due to it being my last festival before I go off to college. I have been looking forward to it and trying to take it all in with a positive and excited attitude.”

Rachel Rudolph

Though students were disappointed not to gather in person, they have been gratified by the community and resilience shown by their peers throughout the virtual event. “We’re celebrating the work of students across the world during these troubling times,” said Rachel Rudolph of Troupe 7935 at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rudolph earned a Thespy for her performance of Come From Away’s “Me and the Sky” in the solo musical theatre category. “Despite the unfortunate circumstances this year has brought, this festival shows how we can come together to heal, learn, and grow. This week has been opening my eyes to how theatre can survive during this crisis. We’re all keeping a positive outlook and doing the best we can. It’s really refreshing to see everyone work and learn together.”

The complete list of Thespys winners follows.