Central High Thespians Shine at State Festival, Bring Home Multiple Honors

Salina Central High School's Theatre program achieved remarkable success at the 2025 Kansas Thespian Festival, bringing home numerous awards including Gold Honor Troupe status. The festival, held January 9-11 at Wichita's Century II Convention Center, saw record attendance with over 1,700 participants.

Central's Thespian Troupe 639 competed across multiple categories, securing first place in Lobby Display and third place in the One Act Competition. The winning lobby display was created through the collaborative efforts of Anastasia Corl, Ella Searcy, and fellow troupe members.

Eight students qualified for the International Thespian Festival with Superior ratings in their respective categories. Lillian Crow and Camille Graber earned recognition for their Musical Duet, while Anna Kraft, Carson Ablard, and Ava Weaverling received Superior ratings for Solo Monologues. Katie Morgan and Avery Jeakins excelled in Musical Solo performances, William Howe in Musical Dance Solo, and Addilyn Jagodzinske in Costume Construction.

The festival brought additional honors to Salina Central's theatre program leadership. Barbara Hilt was recognized for her service as Chapter Director for the state, having guided Kansas Thespians through five festivals. Dr. Matt Brungardt received the Administrator of the Year Award for his contributions to the theatre program, including securing increased funding and facilitating auditorium upgrades at Central High School.

Wyatt Angell was selected to serve a second term as Student Thespian Officer. The Gold Honor Troupe designation, documented in a troupe book created by Aerith Cox, recognized the program's year-round excellence in areas including philanthropy, community involvement, productions, and student leadership.

This year's festival, themed "The Festival. The Festival. The Festival." in reference to the musical Beetlejuice, featured national guest artists conducting workshops on various aspects of theatre. The Central High delegation included performers Andrew Graber, Oscar Sheforgen, Kort Comeau, Brynn Shaft, Gabriel Freeland, Wyatt Angell, Anna Kraft, Katie Morgan, Camille Graber, Lillian Crow, and Mac Sheforgen, supported by crew members Alyxandria Aldrich (Stage Manager), Will Howe, Addilyn Jagodzinske, Aerith Cox, and Madison Berndt.

Additional participating students included Marcos Lira, Keaton Myers, Ellie Riekhof, Mars Shultz, Alyx Parker, Ayden Flener, Sarah Day, Evelyn Rose, and Mari Brown-Mereles.