More than 20 West Nassau High School theatre students were inducted into the International Thespian Society Dec. 21.
The society is a division of the Educational Theatre Association, which serves as an honorary organization for middle and high school students. This new distinction will allow students to vie with other schools across the state.
The theatre troupe plans to perform songs, monologues, pantomimes and duet acting scenes during the state competition in Tampa March 14-17.
With the new status, WNHS will now have the ability to induct top theatre students into the ITS Honor Society. Theatre Director Joshua McKinney and students will also have access to related teaching materials, grants and graduation honor items through ITS.
“It opens up the ability for the kids to get scholarships,” McKinney said.
Freshman Natalie Drake recently performed in the troupe’s presentation of “Dearly Departed.”
She has already learned a great deal from participating in the theatre class.
“I feel like it’s helped me express myself a lot more,” the new inductee said.
The experience has strengthened her interaction with fellow actors.
“You have really a really strong connection,” Drake said. “And when you’re in here, you can’t separate that connection.”
Fellow inductee Trey Park is stage production manager. He has participated in theatrical activities since he was a freshman.
“I am a strong leader,” he said.
Park is responsible for ensuring that the cast and crew are organized, overseeing props and that stage productions run on time.
“Basically, that the show goes on,” he said.
The junior plans to study stage management in college.
“It does help with social skills,” Park said of his duties. “And I think that’s a strong part of being a person, being able to take control if needed.”
Also inducted into the International Thespian Society were seniors Baylee Armstrong, Brianna Batrous, Jacob Corliss, Hannah Cross, Arriell Drayton, Mykenzie Francis, Michelle Hamilton, Jazmine Kupfer, Danielle Lowey, William Rechenmacher, Makayla Royal and Cameron Smithgall.
Juniors Nathan Trinidad, Caleb Williams, Almariah Melton and Paige Wilsey join sophomores Emily Ford and Elizabeth Goodno. Freshmen Abbigail Vienneau and Anna Williams round out the group.
