CASPER - The Wheatland High School (WHS) Thespian Troupe (formerly the WHS Drama Club) returned home from competing at the annual Wyoming High School State Drama Competition. This annual event has been held since 1972.
In 1989, the state drama event became a competition and is a Wyoming High School Activities Association scheduled event. More than 700 drama students in grades 9 through 12 attend this annual event, and an of average 25 Wyoming high schools are represented.
“State drama has changed considerably this year. Always before it’s been a competition and the rules based in that style. However, we had no national tournament to go to,” explained Merlin Hitt, WHS co-Director. “Now the rules have been realigned to match the International Thespian Society and now our kids can qualify to go to a national forum. The benefit of changing it to a festival format rather than a tournament format is that it becomes more educational for the kids. It fosters cooperation between the schools and cooperation is what theatre is all about. The cast and crew have to cooperate with each other and by having a festival format, then the schools within the state become more supportive of each other and less competitive.”
Participants are able to compete in several different categories that are all elements of the world of theatre. Acting, costume and make-up design, set and lighting design, original scripts and publicity. First through fourth year competitions are based on how many years the students have been competing in each particular element, it is not based on what year of high school they are. This method encourages students to try new things and not be penalized by competing against others who have had more time to perfect their craft.
This year the event was held at Casper College, next year will be there as well with the following year moving to the University of Wyoming campus for two years. Events start on Thursday and run through Saturday with awards on Saturday evening. This year, several workshops were offered for attendees to have more opportunities to learn about different aspects of theatre in between shows and individual competitions. The students are able to stay at a hotel and have their entry fees covered by generous donations from area businesses.
Superior winners: Amelia Winter, fourth year Costume Design (National Qualifier); Wendy Luna-Garcia, first year Costume Design & Original Script; Brooke May, second year Costume Design; Matthew Wilhelm, Varsity Monologue (National Qualifier); Roman Smith, Original Script; Victoria Bustos-Driskill, Original Script, Noah Crowley, Publicity Second Year; Elizabeth Crowley, Publicity Second Year; Halle Smith, Publicity Second Year. Excellent winners: Jaime Wardell, Monologue; Jamie Wardell, Third Year Fantasy Make-up; Charity May, Second Year Publicity; Charity and Brooke May, Acting Duet; Halle Smith, Noah & Elizabeth Crowley, Acting Group; Amelia Winter, Musical Solo.
“I leaned to always put yourself out there and not be afraid of what people think of you,” said Matthew Wilhelm, a junior at WHS. “(And) how to be a better actor.”
“Anyone is welcome. Theatre is one of the most diverse groups I’ve ever seen,” remarked Sophomore Jamie Wardell. “Multiple personality types go into theatre, and everyone is very accepting.”
Students are already thinking about what projects they might want to try for next year. Wilhelm wants to try his skill at constructing a costume; while Wardell is thinking about doing a Make-up project of a World War II Nazi that got stuck in Russia and ended up with frostbite.
The WHS Thespian Troupe is directed by Merlin Hitt and Kalyn Krotz. They give endless hours in introducing the kids to the wonders of live theatre and helping them to reach their artistic potential.
“The kids can compete for scholarships and schools from in-state and out-of-state were there (Wyoming State Drama) to watch our kids audition and to offer them scholarships,” Hitt said. “To me that’s the most important thing I do – to help the kids further their education.”
