The Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) All-County Theatre Troupe is set to perform its production of “The Addams Family Musical: School Edition” on the main stage at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) in June 2026, marking a major achievement for the group drawn from the district’s seven high schools.
The troupe originally rehearsed and staged the musical in summer 2025, with performances beginning at the start of the school year in September 2025. Notification of the main stage selection arrived during the week of Jan. 26, 2026, via email due to school closures from inclement weather. The ITF, held annually on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington, offers a weeklong program of workshops and performances for high school theatre students nationwide. This year, the festival expanded its main stage to 12 adjudicated productions selected from submissions, up from previous years to broaden access.
The CCPS troupe stands out as one of the 12 chosen, and only the second Maryland school in 20 years to earn a main stage slot. The prior Maryland selection was the Jemicy School of Owings Mills with “Peter and the Starcatcher” in 2019. Out of more than 1,000 applicants referenced in related announcements, the troupe’s video submission—while not the strongest performance of the run—demonstrated the collective dedication and talent that impressed adjudicators.
Director Tess Silvestro, drama teacher at North Point High School, highlighted the group’s diversity and commitment. “The talent that the kids pull together, their dedication and their heart … The fact that we can represent so many different types of people all in one performance is really special and something that ITF has been looking for,” she said.
Producer Jana Heyl, theatre teacher at Maurice J. McDonough High School and a longtime ITF attendee for at least 25 years, described the selection process as rigorous. “It is a big process to get a main stage production at ITF. It’s an incredible honor,” she said.
Cast members emphasized the production’s inclusive nature. Laila Anderson, a Westlake High School junior playing Morticia Addams, noted the visible effort in the submitted video. “But you could still feel and see the hard work and dedication we all put into it. I believe not only can you see everyone’s hard work; you see that everyone wants this to work.”
Nya Mashego, a North Point High School junior portraying Alice Beineke, said the material feels familiar now. “It honestly feels like it is second nature,” she said.
Brett Wood, a McDonough senior as Pugsley Addams, pointed to the show’s structure. “The show works for us because it has a lot of features, everybody has a chance to shine. There’s really no small part in the show.” This extends to the backstage crew, with stage manager Michaela Reif, a McDonough junior, stressing unity. “We all have to work together to make the show run smoothly. We want everybody to look good.”
The troupe maintains momentum through monthly rehearsals to refine choreography under Ben Simpson of St. Charles High School and vocals under Mark Pavlecic of Westlake High School. Additional performing arts teachers assist with technical elements like sound, lighting, sets, and costumes. Students sign contracts committing to rehearsals and fundraising efforts needed for the trip.
For many participants, theatre provides a longstanding community. Theo Rosemund, a La Plata High School senior playing Gomez Addams, attended ITF previously and described it as transformative. “It was more than I ever thought it would be. You go there and everyone relates to you and connects with you. I told my dad, ‘It’s the first time I feel like I’ve found family outside of my family.’”
Silvestro noted the troupe aims to produce a musical every couple of years, using off years for activities like 24-hour one-act festivals and workshops to sustain connections across schools. “The goal is to keep going and make this a really solid opportunity. We always try to do something, because the kids all love seeing each other. It’s really special that you have these friendships across schools.”
Wood added, “It’s a loving community. It’s come as you are. Everybody has a spot in theatre.”
The group continues fundraising to support attendance at the June 21–26, 2026, festival.