By Jeff Bengford
On March 21-23, after a year of steadfast preparation and careful coordination by Thespian Officer Logan Mendelson and his fellow Thespian Officers, Westmont High School Theatre Arts Department took 25 Students, 3 dedicated Chaperones and 1 Troupe Director to join 1,200 other high school theatre students from 62 schools at the annual California State Thespian Festival held this year at beautiful Pomona College in Claremont, CA.
For the 26th year, led by Thespian Troupe Director, Jeff Bengford, Westmont’s Thespians took workshops from industry professionals, earned significant honors, and made outstanding accomplishments throughout the State Thespian Festival.
Senior Isaac Martinez and Junior Otra Philips were selected to dance in the festival’s Opening Number: “Raise You Up” from the Broadway musical, Kinky Boots.
Westmont’s production of “Just Girls Talking” was selected to perform on the main stage on Saturday night for the entire delegation. This 30 minute play was brilliantly Directed by senior Sarah Ruebenson and starred: Sadie Evans, Rachel Hoogensen, Isa Hunter-Quintero, Allyson Jezyk, Otra Philips, Shelly Yoffe and Stage Managed by Alisa Shpolyansky.
All of our attending Westmont Technicians were chosen to be on the All State Tech Staff: Noella Thu & Jacoby Mireles (Lighting), Alisa Shpolyansky (Audio), Ruby King (Set), and Alex Lin (Costumes).
Five of our Westmont Thespians won Superior ratings (the highest rating achievable) for their Thespy Presentations:
Allyson Jezyk: SUPERIOR: Solo Musical Theatre
Shreya Ghoshal: SUPERIOR: Solo Musical Theatre
Sergio Macian Rojas SUPERIOR: Duet Acting
Jonah Martinez SUPERIOR: Duet Acting
Noella Thu SUPERIOR: Lighting Design
In addition, Noella Thu also received special recognition as Outstanding Technician for the Lighting Team and brought home a Blue Ribbon Medallion for BEST IN THE STATE in Lighting.
In addition to these honors, Noella Thu and Alisa Shpolyansky also took first place in the cable coiling Tech Challenge.
This was a wonderful year for our Westmont Thespians!
