The MHS thespians braved the snow and cold for a fantastic experience for acting students. The troupe rode to Wichita, on Jan. 9-11. Despite the icy, snowy and freezing weather, the troupe faced little trouble in their travels by leaving an hour later than expected and driving slower. They journeyed to the Kansas Thespian Festival, where they participated in various workshops led by theatre professionals.

“There were multiple different events that you could participate in, such as improv, screenwriting, dancing, and singing, along with many others,” senior Vee Kotschwar said. “Some of my friends even learned to juggle.”

Throughout the Festival, troupes prepared for the main competition, Thespys. For this competition, actors performed a song or monologue to a panel of judges who scored the individuals out of 20 points on multiple factors. MHS showed their acting skills, with four students receiving an Excellent score and two receiving a Supreme score. Seniors Aubrianna Smith and Riana Howells received the Supreme scores and went on to perform in front of a large crowd of theater enthusiasts.

“My favorite part of the trip was getting to compete in Thespys as I got to work and then perform it for a score,” Smith said.

The trip proved to be a fun learning experience for all who went.

“My favorite part was getting to meet a lot of new people. Also getting closer with people from our own troupe,” senior Makenna Mason said.

Experiences like the Festival are essential for the MHS Thespians as they prepare for upcoming performances. They are currently preparing for the spring musical, “Mary Poppins.” They have held auditions and assigned roles; however, they also held auditions for fifth graders in the school district as a way to introduce another generation to theater at MHS and spark acting passions in young people in the community. MHS actors are preparing to make the musical entertaining for all audiences.

“Running lines and music with others really helps so you learn what running the actual show will feel like when the time comes,” Kotschwar said.