The RHS chapter of the International Thespians Society–Troupe 8635, yet again enjoyed a hugely successful run at the Southwest Washington Thespian competition last week. Every single piece Ridgefield students submitted qualified for the state competition in March, and three scored high enough to qualify for nationals in June. Well done, Spuds! “As always, I am so proud of my students,” said Kaitlyn Etter, Ridgefield High School’s Theatre and Dance teacher and Director of Troupe 8635. “They worked incredibly hard on their pieces and showed so much resilience in quickly shifting to a virtual competition format after the in-person event was canceled at the last minute because of the winter storm.”
We’re pleased to announce that the public will be able to see most of these pieces in a FREE special (in-person) showcase on Friday, February 2nd at 7pm in the Performing Arts Center at RHS.
At the State Thespian Festival at Central Washington University in Ellensburg March 15-16, many RHS students will be recognized with a yellow ribbon for overall “Excellent” scores (equivalent to silver) in their categories at last week’s regional competition. Each category is listed below along with the names of students who will be receiving recognition.
Solo Musical Theatre Congratulations to Robin Turner, Elle Lutz, Ilianna Ikonomou, Megan Hopper, Madelyn Ventura, Raven Meade and Jacob Vande Krol.
Musical Theatre Duet Congratulations to Quinn Hemrich/Megan Hopper, and Jacob Vande Krol/Ilianna Ikonomou.
Monologues Congratulations to Elle Lutz, Robin Turner, Emily Bloom, and Kennadi Jones.
Playwriting Congratulations to Elle Lutz.
Costume Design Congratulations to Gabbie Hemmelman.
Duet Acting Congratulations to Madelyn Ventura/Kayden Gonzalez and Gabbie Hemmelman/Elliana Lewis.
Musical Theatre Dance Congratulations to Naomi Whitton and Raven Meade/Quinn Hemrich.
Group Musical Congratulations to Megan Hopper, Jackie Bernard, Marie Martinez, Madelyn Ventura, and Robin Turner.
National Qualifiers
Three RHS students will be recognized at the state competition with a blue ribbon for an overall “Superior” score (equivalent to gold) at regionals, qualifying for the national competition in June. Congratulations to:
Solo Musical Theatre Kennadi Jones
Sound Design Aubrey Sigman
Stage Management Payton Grimm
On Friday, February 2nd at 7pm in the Performing Arts Center at RHS, there will be a showcase where the majority of these students will be sharing their competition pieces. Come see Ridgefield’s award winning Troupe do their thing! If you’re unable to attend in person, the showcase will also be broadcast on the Performing Arts Center’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ridgefieldperformingartsce8836.