Fifteen members of the MSM Thespian Troupe traveled to Jonesboro for the 2020 Arkansas State Thespian Festival held February 13-15. The students participated in numerous workshops, competed in a variety of technical challenges and networked with other theatre arts students, colleges and industry leaders. The event also included opportunities to earn college scholarships as well as bids to this summer’s International Thespian Tournament in Indiana.
Senior Lily Eagan and junior Cabe Parrish, vice president of the MSM Thespian Troupe, each received Superior rankings for their Solo Musical pieces. Both were also awarded Best in Show and invited to perform in the event’s Saturday showcase in front of all 1,300 participants, an honor reserved for just 10 pieces selected from the entire festival. Sophomores Malingo Matute and Alex Powell were also ranked Superior in Duet Musical. Their Superior rankings earned Lily, Cabe, Malingo and Alex bids to the International Thespian Tournament in June.
Senior Avery Appleton, president of the MSM Thespian Troupe, received an Excellent rank in Solo Acting. The troupe also received Excellent ranks for Group Musical (directed by Cabe and senior Robin Stover; performed by Lily, Malingo, Cabe, Alex, Robin, junior Fran Edwards, sophomore Rachel Klinck and senior Anna Palmer) and Group Acting (directed by Avery; performed by Avery, senior Bella Boyd, sophomore Sophia Brannon, senior Grey Dunaway and senior Victoria Volpi).
Additionally, Avery, Cabe and Robin received callbacks and/or offers for college scholarships.
“I am so incredibly proud of all of the girls’ hard work for this festival,” said Jenny Moses, who teaches theatre, forensics and speech at Mount St. Mary. “I have watched them grow individually and as a team. They have such amazing attitudes and represent Mount beautifully, which is all I can ask for as a coach. For them to be remarkably talented as well makes it a delight.”
Congratulations to the MSM Thespians on great weekend in Jonesboro!
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.