MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Jefferson and Washington High School theatre students started the month in Morgantown for the West Virginia State Thespian Festival. The three-day event offered students unique opportunities, according to Jefferson High School Theatre Director Megan Garland.
"The state thespian festival is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect to professionals in the industry, have a college experience, and see the work that other students produce," Garland said.
The students from Jefferson County Schools joined more than 600 other students from across the state, setting a record for festival attendance. Garland said students learn a lot through the engaging event.
"Students get to experience workshops from masters in particular fields of theater, such as set design, makeup, puppetry, lighting, sound, management, and props. They enjoy spending time choosing their workshops and enjoy choosing what they want to learn about."
Students also have opportunities to earn scholarships at the festival. Several students from Jefferson and Washington High School won awards and scholarships. Washington High School Theatre Director Darrell Cummings said the students worked hard for the achievements.
“I'm very lucky to have these students," he said. "They are very talented and don't take it for granted. They put their heart into their craft and found success.”Washington High School:
- Destinee Saccoh won the Outstanding Vocal Solo, and Outstanding Duo scene, and earned the Steve Glendenning Memorial Scholarship.
- Ella Duffey won the Outstanding Monologue, Outstanding Duo Scene.
- Jericho Gibson won 2nd place in Hand Props with a perfect score.
- The WHS Rodeo Team (Isa Fisher, Hayden Butler, Lillian Weaver, Julianna Pettit, Zander Shiley, and Essence Kuykendall) took 3rd place in their competition.
- Isa Fisher earned an "excellence" rating in playwriting for her script Love is Dead.
- Beau Atkisson garnered an "excellence" rating for his short film Negligence.
- Lindsay Bangit won a scholarship for WVU.
- Ethan Powderly won 2nd place for Stage Management.
- Emily Jack won 1st place for Character Makeup.