Submitted by Angela Bin

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 joined 2,000 other theatre students at the annual KS State Thespian Festival January 5-7, in Wichita.

FSHS is proud to receive the award of Gold Honor Troupe, the highest state award given to Thespian troupes.  The honor is achieved through production of multiple theatrical performances, participation in the International Thespian Society and community, and through promotion of theatre in the community and schools. The troupe Treasurer, sophomore Hunter Adamson, gave a presentation of the notebook detailing the troupe’s yearly achievements in order to receive the award.

FSHS had two seniors, Cire’ Miller and Hunter Parker, audition for college scholarships.  Parker received eight college call-backs with Miller receiving five.

The following troupe members competed in individual events:  sophomores Daniela Belcuore and Alyx Brooks, juniors Xavier Watkins and Kiel Hall, and sophomores Adamson and Mary Gladbach competed in Duet Acting; Miller competed in Musical Solo and Parker competed in Monologue.

Thespians attended five main stage productions of the best high school plays in KS.  They also participated in six workshops varying from acting and improvisation to lighting design to sabre combat for the stage.  FSHS also competed in improv acting, charades and costume design during the late night activities.

In addition to the 25 high school students who attended, Fort Scott sent eleven middle school students to the first ever KS Jr. Thespian Festival on Jan. 7.

The Thespian Troupe is directed by Angie Bin who presented a workshop at the festival entitled “Let’s Play! Growing Theatre Kids” and is an adjudicator for KS Thespians.