Eleven thespians are representing Central High School (CHS) at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) at Indiana University this week.
“It is an amazing honor to present at festival and to have others recognize their hard work,” said Barb Hilt, CHS theatre teacher*.The student actors will be performing the play, “Tracks,” at the festival on Wednesday for their peers from around the nation. They earned this privilege by winning first place when they performed it at the state thespian conference earlier this year.
“Going to ITF means so much to me, not only for the opportunity to perform the chapter select one act, but also for the opportunities presented to further my career in theater,” explained Harper Johnston, CHS incoming senior. “I’m especially excited to attend some amazing workshops and in-person callbacks with theater schools attending the festival.”
Students will compete for Thespy Awards, audition for colleges and participate in workshops taught by national presenters who work in the industry. They will see amazing student work on main-stage shows from around the nation.
Charles Goldbach, CHS incoming senior is the only student who attended before the festival went virtual due to COVID-19. “Being an active member of the theatre troupe throughout my high school career has allowed me to reach out to people who I never imagined I’d become so close to. I have gained not only an appreciation for the arts but also a love for them. I would not be the same person I am today without Troupe 639 at CHS.”
Experiences like this trip to the international festival help inspire great futures for students at Salina Public Schools. Learn more at www.usd305.com
*Barb Hilt is also sponsor of Troupe 639 and director of the Kansas Thespians Chapter.