El Dorado High School's Thespian Troupe 42 recently returned from the State Thespian Festival in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where they showcased their talents and brought home several notable achievements.
The State Thespian Festival serves as a networking hub, connecting schools from across Arkansas and providing a forum for sharing innovative ideas. It also offers students a unique opportunity to witness diverse theatrical performances, which enriches understanding and the practice of the art. This year, Troupe 42 attended the festival for the first time.
Several students from Troupe 42 showcased their talents in the preliminaries through video submissions. Impressively, all entries received either an 'excellent' or 'superior' rating, the top two out of four ratings. Notably, three students from Troupe 42 excelled with all 'superior' ratings in their respective categories: Rion Jones in Costume Design, Mary Claire Parker in Solo Acting, and Riya Nelson in Solo Musical. Furthermore, Troupe 42 boasts three All-State Cast Members, an All-State Crew Member, and the prestigious title of Gold Honor Troop, which was achieved through accumulated participation points from various activities throughout the year.
EHS Senior and Troupe 42’s Co-President, Mary Claire Parker, stood out by performing a solo act that earned her the prestigious "Best in Show" title, solidifying her as the best solo actress in the state of Arkansas. Meanwhile, the entire troupe contributed to scoring superior ratings in both the backdrop and tech challenge categories. The tech challenge team achieved a notable ninth place out of 46 teams in Arkansas, marking another significant accomplishment for Troupe 42's first-time participation.
At the State Thespian Festival, students like Mary Claire and David Valero from El Dorado's Troupe 42, experienced both personal and artistic growth. Mary Claire reflected on her experience, saying, 'It taught me how to get in the headspace of my character quicker. It also helped me compel my emotions to people who have never met me.” She also shared her excitement about winning Best in Show, describing the support from her troupe as 'amazing' and emphasizing the honor of competing.
EHS Senior and Troupe 42's Vice President, David Valero, found the festival instrumental in his development, noting, “It helped me develop a character not only for acting but also for dancing.” He also appreciated the feedback from judges, stating, “The judges gave me good critiques,” highlighting the educational aspect of the festival for aspiring performers.
ESD Superintendent Jim Tucker was also recognized for his outstanding support and dedication to the arts. Nominated by instructors of the EHS Theater program, Hannah Davis and Ruth Griffin, Mr. Tucker was awarded the prestigious Administrator of the Year.
This accolade highlights Superintendent Tucker's unwavering commitment to excellence and his pivotal role in fostering the growth and success of Thespian Troupe 42. Tucker's leadership has not only impacted the district but also inspired students and educators alike.
Overall, Troupe 42's participation in the State Thespian Festival exemplifies its commitment to excellence in theater and showcases the talent and dedication of the EHS theater program. The El Dorado School District is immensely proud of Troupe 42 and looks forward to their future accomplishments!
Background of Thespian Troupe 42
Established in 1936, Thespian Troupe 42 is a revered theater organization with a rich history spanning 88 years. It provides students with a platform to compete, engage in community outreach, and participate in various theater activities. The troupe's involvement in the festival is a regulated way to explore theater and compete on a broader scale.
