Theatre students shine at Texas Thespian Festival

Midlothian ISD theatre students delivered show-stopping performances at the Texas Thespian Festival and Convention, earning top honors, perfect scores, and national recognition. Both Midlothian High School and Midlothian Heritage High School students qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival this summer in Bloomington, Indiana.

Midlothian High School Theatre

Midlothian High School Theatre had an outstanding weekend at the state festival, where every participating student earned National Qualifier status and advanced to compete at the international level.

Tristan Garcia – Monologue (Perfect Score)
Gabi Anderson – Monologue
Katie Parker – Solo Musical (Perfect Score, Scholarship Finalist)
Keiona Anthony – Solo Musical (Perfect Score)
Emma Scott – Solo Musical
Scott Akpan – Solo Musical
Addison Seeds – Solo Musical
Jacob Cohran – Solo Musical
Kate Kennedy – Stage Management (Perfect Score)

MHS Theatre was also recognized with the All Star Troupe Display award and received the Gold Honor Troupe distinction for the 2024-25 school year. This is one of the highest honors given by the Texas Thespians organization and celebrates the program's ongoing excellence, leadership and impact within the arts community.

Heritage High School Theatre

Heritage High School Theatre also had a remarkable showing, with 11 National Qualifiers advancing to the International Thespian Festival after earning superior scores for their performances.

Pearson Urquhart and Chloe Turk – Duet Acting (Perfect Score)
Madeleine Nabinger – Solo Musical Theatre (Perfect Score)
Haylee Hodges and Noah Abbate – Duet Musical Theatre
Jonathan Anderson – Contrasting Monologues
Louis Gonzalez – Contrasting Monologues
Elizabeth Vanpool – Contrasting Monologues
Daniel Rendon Valdespino – Contrasting Monologues
Fortevee Tante – Solo Musical Theatre Dance
Spencer McElyea – Sound Design

In addition, several Jags stood out in Texas-only events:

Grace Bourland and Will Moore – 3rd Place, Lip Sync
Jesi Vigil – All Star Improv Recognition
Chris Ray, Reese Young, Madeleine Nabinger and Lily Vanpool – Superior Rating, Makeup and Hair Design

Throughout the weekend, MISD students attended professional workshops in acting, musical theatre, dance, technical theatre, lighting, sound engineering, costuming, directing, and college audition preparation. These hands-on sessions provided valuable experience to learn from industry professionals and collaborate with thespians from across the state.