20 Mar WA Junior Thespians Shine at States!
Our WA Jr. Thespian Troupe recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Orlando, where they competed in the Florida State Junior Thespian Competition! Students in grades 6–8 showcased their talents in both technical and performance theater categories, attended world-class theatrical performances, and spent meaningful time together in God’s word. Our students, led by WA Musical Theater teacher Patricia White, along with staff chaperones Rachel Mesquita, Lidia Blatz, and Linda Benedict, represented WA with excellence!
Competing at States
In the technical categories, students presented costume and marketing designs for productions like CATS, Mean Girls Jr., Wizard of Oz, and Beauty and the Beast—receiving valuable feedback from theater professionals.
For the performance events, students competed in Monologues, Large Group Musicals, and Solo performances, facing tough adjudicators, including Broadway singers and producers. Their hard work paid off, earning an impressive 10 “Excellent” and 2 “Superior” ratings!
Unforgettable Experiences
Beyond the competition, students attended a Master Class with Ashley Brown, Broadway’s original Mary Poppins—a surreal moment as they had used her practice tracks in past performances!
Evenings were filled with Disney Springs outings and attending three incredible Broadway shows: Shrek Jr., Peter Pan, and Anastasia. After Anastasia, they even received a full backstage tour, exploring the scenic, costume, props, and lighting departments—an incredible learning opportunity!
Faith & Fellowship
The highlight of the trip was the time spent in fellowship and devotion. WA 8th-grade student Grace Barbar led morning devotions, focusing on using God-given gifts (1 Peter 4:10), finding confidence in Him, and trusting His goodness in all circumstances. Her leadership and encouragement were a true blessing to the group.
This trip was an unforgettable experience for our Jr. Thespians, and we are already looking forward to next year’s competition! Way to go, WA Jr. Thespian Troupe!