OCSA Thespian Trope #6640 has seen success all across the board at the recent high school district competition. Many of them arrived at school with their medals around their necks, and a pride gleaming from their faces. Eight of the following district winners will take their performances have taken their performances onto state where they’ll continue to compete.
Here is a list of all the awarded performers at the district competition:
Aticus Blaze
Athena Riaño
Autumn Crawford
Melany Choreo
Cal Amiss
Zander Zanti
Zaseli Toress
Kirsten Hendrickson
Pippa Pyczynski
Among our acclaimed Thespians winners, three won the district 11 Scholarship. Cal Amiss, the president of Thespians, being one of them.
Cal was awarded two Best in Shows awards, participating in acting and technical theater competitions. Despite his sore throat and busy schedule, Cal made time to speak about what this massive success means to the club.
Cal explain that “because of construction there is so much happening in the same areas…so we have to communicate, share spaces, and sometimes reschedule.”
These obstacles caused dissonance within the troupe, Autum Crawford, winner of The FTA Charlie Cinnamon Scholarship, said that she “wasn’t expecting anything from districts.” During rehearsal she felt anxious, doubting herself constantly and questioning her abilities.
Cal admitted that the troupe experienced a lot of hardships this year. However, the obstacles were only indicators that there was something worth trying for.
Autum says, “Without all the support and encouragement around me I don’t think I would have been able to do it.”
Ms. Reeves encouraged her to perform a song out of her comfort zone, which challenged her to delve deeper into her talents. Cal says that stepping out of your shell is to be expected at Thespians, as you work within your teams to create art that you are proud of.
Cal noted that after being a part of OCSA Thespians since freshman year, it is undeniable that this has been the biggest success they have ever had. With sincerity, he said, “I am so proud to call myself the President of the troupe because it’s really an honor working with these amazing people!
I now realize that the medals around their necks were not nearly as bright as their smiles. With their positive attitudes and ambition, they showcased what Thespians is really about.
When asked what advice she has to young artists who desire the recognition that she has received, Autum took a deep breath before answering:
“I am not saying your goal can’t be the big awards, but that’s not all there is. Do everything because you love it and it will come back to you.”
Cal voiced similar ideas, highlighting that thespians is “a chance to see people’s art.” Within the tedious rehearsal process, the commutes to district and state festivals, “you really form quick friendships that soon turn into family bonds.”
The success OCSA students have earned at Thespians exemplifies the spirit of artists. The awards are only tangible items that represent the hours of effort and passion put into their craft.
