Fourteen members of the MSM Thespian Troupe recently traveled to Jonesboro for the 2022 Arkansas Thespian Festival, held February 10-12. 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 in Bloomington.
Three MSM Thespians earned Superior ratings for their performances: Rachel Klinck ’22 and Grey Parrish ’23 in the category of Solo Musical Theatre, and Anna Mammarelli ’23 for Solo Acting. The achievement qualified them to compete for a coveted National Thespy award at the International Thespian Festival in June. Three additional students received Excellent ratings at the event: Sophia Brannon ’22 in Solo Acting, and Alex Powell ’22 and Camilla Ricaurte ’22 in Solo Musical Theatre.
Troupe members celebrated several other accomplishments during the three-day event. Rachel and Malingo Matute ’22, were named to the All State Cast and Crew, respectively. Madison Taschetti ’22 was recognized as a 2022 Honor Thespian. Sophia, Hope Harvey ’25 and Piper Hayes ’22 placed third in the Scenic Design challenge. The troupe also received Outstanding Original Script and Outstanding Ensemble awards for its one-act, Welcome Home. Finally, Rachel, Anna, Alex, Grey and Camilla all received college scholarship offers totaling more than $108,000.
Others MSM students participating in this year’s Arkansas Thespian Festival include: Mari Negrete ’22, Isabella Nguyen ’25, Emma Palmer ’22 and Natalie Vailes ’22.
Congratulations to the MSM Thespians on great weekend in Jonesboro and fabulous season overall!
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.