The International Thespian Festival, a week-long theater program, gathers students from U.S. high schools and other international arts programs. This year’s festival was held the last week of June at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE. Nineteen Griffins participated in the festival where they were able to select from over 120 workshops to attend to help improve their craft.
In addition to the daily workshops, students were given the opportunity to audition in front of representatives from over sixty colleges and universities. These colleges and universities see the festival as a “talent search” for future students in their programs. Eight Los Al students participated in the auditions and each student received multiple callbacks and scholarship offers.
One of the highlights of the festival is the National Individual Events Showcase. This affords students an opportunity to compete in the categories of monologue, duet acting, solo/duet group musical theater, and mime. Three LAHS students were awarded a Superior ranking. Melanie Tanaka earned this ranking in monologue. Louie Gallagher and Micaela Erickson were recognized for their performance in dual acting.
As Ms. Stacy Castiglione (LAHS Drams Director) shared, “Besides improving their acting skills, this festival is a showcase for the top talent in high schools both in the U.S. and abroad. As expected, the Griffins rose to the top!”
