Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) high school students showcased their talents at the Maryland Thespian Festival, a prestigious two-day event hosted at the University of Maryland, College Park, on January 12 and 13. The festival, a beacon for theater enthusiasts, provided an opportunity for students from various CCPS high schools to engage in over 300 workshops, including vocal masterclasses, puppetry, and Broadway Bootcamp. The event also featured a one-act festival and offered scholarship opportunities for seniors, marking a significant highlight in the academic year for aspiring thespians.
Among the attendees, students from La Plata High School stood out with Katherine Bowling, Emma Carlson, Avery Hancock, Kaleb Hubler, Hailey Leonard, Haili Powell, Kyra Shafer, Viktor Steiger, and Lillie Wright recognized as All-State Thespians. This accolade requires students to hold leadership roles within their troupe or head a committee, underlining their commitment and contribution to their school’s theater department. Notably, Wright was named a Maryland Distinguished Senior Thespian and an Outstanding Actress in La Plata’s one-act performance, while Shafer received an International Thespian Excellence Award (Thespy) for Superior Solo in musical theatre for “Into the Woods.”
Henry E. Lackey High School’s representation also made a mark, with students Amiyah Marshall and Penny Kriebel each securing an Outstanding Actor Award for their performance in “DNA.” Maurice J. McDonough High School saw multiple students achieve All-State Thespian honors, with standout achievements including a first-place award for Best Props in a One Act for “Our Place.”
North Point and St. Charles High Schools’ participants were equally commendable, with students earning accolades for outstanding performances and technical expertise. St. Charles High School’s production of “Badger” garnered recognition for sound design and acting, showcasing the depth of talent within the school.
The festival not only highlighted individual achievements but also celebrated the dedication of educators and administrators who play a pivotal role in nurturing these young talents. Tim LaBelle and Ben Simpson of St. Charles High School, and Bryan Grosbach and Jackson Long of Westlake High School, were among the teachers who guided their students to success. Furthermore, Tim Bodamer and Andrew Blumhardt of CCPS were honored as Maryland Thespians Administrators of the Year, reflecting their commitment to high-quality theater education.
The Maryland Thespian Festival serves as a testament to the vibrant theater culture within Charles County Public Schools, providing a platform for students to explore their passion for the performing arts. For more information about the festival and its offerings, interested parties can visit the Maryland Thespians website.
