RHS Group Musical entries from Theatre II and Theatre III classes both received ratings of Excellent at the Arkansas Thespian Festival-
Over 1,200 high school students from 53 high schools around the state attended the Arkansas Thespian Festival in February. Around 1,000 students attended in person while 200 attended virtually. For over 40 years, the Arkansas Thespians have hosted a festival focused on teaching acting and technical theatre techniques to high school students throughout the state.
Arkansas Thespian Festival also offers students the opportunity to audition for college theatre programs. Over 20 colleges from around the nation auditioned students for performance, technical, and theatre education scholarships.
Over $2 Million in scholarships was offered over the course of the weekend.
RHS had seven students participate in the College Audition process. All of them received Callbacks and are pursuing further conversations with several colleges that have made initial offers.
These colleges include the University of the Oklahoma City University, Greensboro College in North Carolina, New York Film Academy, UA Fort Smith, UA Little Rock, Henderson State, Southern Arkansas University The University of the Ozarks, SCAD, Ouachita University, and SouthEast Missouri State University.
"The opportunities that the AR Thespian College Audition and Scholarship program offer our students are priceless. It allows them to audition for colleges they may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit or explore," says Stephanie Schultze, RSD Thespian Troupe Director.\r\n
Russellville’s one-act, “At the Frog Fountain” by Werner Trieschmann, earned a Superior and performed in the Festival Showcase.
"Unbeknownst to us, Mr. Trieschmann followed our one act on its journey through the preliminary competition all the way to our performance at the AR State Thespian Festival! Afterward, he came backstage and talked to the cast and Student Director, Diego Cervantes. This moment will forever live in the hearts and memories of our students. What an amazing educational opportunity it was to receive approval and praise from the playwright! To perform a work of art and be told by the creator that our interpretation was the best he had seen elevated the students' confidence and love of theatre to new heights. This was Diego Cervantes' directorial debut! What an affirmation of his talent and ability to communicate with his peers as a student director, and for the cast and crew a complete testament to their efforts and passions."\r\n
Awarded designation to the All-State One-Act Cast was Blane Freeman and Brooklyn Corcoran. Awarded All-State Crew was Cara Malin for Stage Direction. Receiving the Arkansas Honors Thespian Award from Troupe7260 was Nevaeh Landrum. of the main events at the Arkansas Thespian Festival is the Thespy competition. Thepsy Awards, named after Broadway’s Tony Awards, give students the opportunity to compete in a variety of singing, acting, and technical events. Students are able to compete individually, in duets, and with a large group.
Preliminary Thespy pieces were submitted by video in early January. They were scored into 4 categories with Superior being the highest ranking. Students who received a Superior on their video in January were given the opportunity to compete again at the Arkansas Thespian Festival. From Russellville High School Thespian Troupe 7260 the following students showcased their Thespy at the Festival: Shawn Metz in Solo Acting, Isabelle Clements in Solo Musical, Noah Reed, and Zack Baldwin in Duet Acting.
The following technical theatre students received Superiors: 1st Place Knot Tying Sil Garcia. Superior Knot Tying Braden Tanner; Superior Quick Change Lizzie Bass; Superior Light Hang Zion McArthur; Superior Drop Fold and Superior Tech Challenge were earned by two RHS teams: Marion Moye, Sil Garcia, Aubrey Sprinkle, Braden Tanner, Lizzie Bass, Hailey Ramsey, Sophie Iracheta, Zion McArthur, and Julius Chenault.
\r\nThe following students received a rating of Excellent:
\r\nSolo Acting: Nevaeh Landrum, Sydney Jones, Michael Rhodes, Blane Freeman, Emma Jernigan, Natalie Saenz, Taylor Buckholtz, Elizabeth Davis, Nhi Webster. In Solo Musical, Tess Barborek. In Duet Acting, Isabella McCormick and Avrielle Dolph. In Duet Musical Audrey Stahl and Diego Cervantes. In Costume Design, Josh Bain.
\r\nCONGRATULATIONS CYCLONES!
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One-Act Cast immediately after their performance with playwright Werner Trieschmann.
