Twenty-one members of MSM Thespian Troupe 8462 recently traveled to Russellville for the 2025 Arkansas State Thespian Festival, held February 13-15. The students participated in interactive workshops, competed in a variety of theatrical performance and technical theatre challenges, and networked with other theatre students and teachers from across the state. The event also included opportunities to audition for college scholarships as well as earn bids to this summer’s International Thespian Festival at Indiana University Bloomington.
Four MSM Thespians earned Superior ratings for their performances: Maya Johnson ’25 and Isabella Nguyen ’25 in the category of Duet Musical Theatre, Annabelle Owen ’25 for Solo Acting, and Harper Peairson ’27 for Lighting Design. Isabella also earned a Superior rating for Playwriting, and the entire troupe received a Superior rating in the Group Musical category. The achievement qualified these students to compete for a coveted National Thespy award at the International Thespian Festival in Indiana June 22-28. Four additional students received Excellent ratings at the event: Caroline Cash ’25 in Solo Acting, and Jordyn Lane ’26, Lauren Lasseigne ’26 and Valeria Mares ’26 in Solo Musical Theatre.
Troupe members celebrated several other accomplishments during the three-day event. Caroline was recognized as a 2025 Honor Thespian. Maya, Annabelle, Harper and Drew Powell ’26 placed 1st in the Costume Design challenge. Finally, Maya, Isabella and Annabelle all received several college scholarship offers.
Troupe members participating in the Superior-rated Group Musical performance included student directors Maya and Isabella as well as Bella Angtuaco ’25, Maddie Bearden ’27, Caroline, Jordyn, Emma Laughlin ’28, Abbie Newman ’28, Annabelle, Harper, Addison Ray ’27, Mady Reyes ’25 and Sydney Shalin ’27. Other MSM students participating in this year’s Arkansas State Thespian Festival included: Danijela Dabic ’26, Valeria De Santos ’26, Sydney Kersey ’26, Madeline LePage ’28 and Adele Uekman ’26.
Congratulations to the MSM Thespians on great weekend in Russellville and fabulous season overall!