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East High theater students earn high ratings at national competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 23:07 GMT by Wyoming News
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East High School’s Theatre Students Shine at National Competition

In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, the drama program at East High School in Casper, Wyoming, earned top marks at a national competition last week, a triumph that has sent the entire community buzzing with pride. The students, who have spent the past semester rehearsing a demanding musical, were evaluated by a panel of professional directors, choreographers and musicians who toured the state to judge productions from around the country.

The event, known as the National Association of Drama Directors (NADD) School Play Festival, is one of the most prestigious showcases for high‑school theatre in the United States. In a crowded field of over 200 schools, East High’s production of “The Sound of Music” scored a 4.8 out of 5.0 on the competition’s rigorous rubric, earning a “Distinguished” rating for acting, direction, set design and musical performance. According to the judges, the production was “exceptionally well‑executed, with strong ensemble work and a clear vision that resonated throughout the performance.”

The festival took place at the historic Colorado Springs Civic Center in Colorado Springs, where the East High cast travelled by charter bus with their parents and faculty mentors. “It was an honor to travel to such a prestigious venue and meet other young artists,” said lead actress Emma Johnson, a senior who played Maria. “The judges were very generous with their praise and it feels amazing to see the hard work of the entire team recognized.”

The production, directed by Ms. Rachel Thompson, who has been the program’s head since 2012, received particular commendation for its nuanced interpretation of the classic. “Ms. Thompson’s direction brought depth to the characters while maintaining the youthful energy that makes Sound of Music timeless,” read one of the judges’ comments. “The pacing was impeccable, and the musical arrangements were fresh and engaging.” Ms. Thompson, who also teaches drama at East High, noted that the students’ commitment to rehearsals—often after school and on weekends—was the key to their success. “They put in an average of 30 hours of rehearsal over the past three months. Their dedication has paid off in a way that is truly rewarding for the whole school.”

The competition is a springboard for many students considering careers in theatre, film, or the performing arts. The awards include cash prizes for outstanding individuals, scholarships to theatre schools, and recognition that can be added to college applications. “For me, this is not just an award for the show, it’s an acknowledgement that our high school can produce world‑class theatre,” said Tommy Ruiz, a junior who played Captain Von Trapp. “It motivates all of us to keep honing our craft.”

East High’s drama program is funded in part by a generous donation from former alumni and local business owners, and the recent state grant of $12,000 has helped upgrade the auditorium’s lighting rig and sound system. The school’s principal, Dr. Susan Lee, praised the entire program for the “outstanding representation of our community on a national stage.” She also highlighted the role of the parents’ volunteer committee in ensuring that the cast had the necessary equipment, makeup and stage costumes. “The entire community rallied around the students,” Dr. Lee said. “Their involvement was essential in making this trip possible.”

Beyond the awards, the experience has left a lasting impression on the students. Many have expressed excitement about future projects. Olivia Chen, who performed as Liesl, said that the festival has expanded her horizons: “I never thought a school production would be judged by professionals from across the country. It’s opened my eyes to the possibilities in theatre, and I can’t wait to try new things.”

East High’s drama teachers are already planning next year’s festival entry. Rumors circulate that the school may attempt a more ambitious musical, possibly “Les Misérables” or “Wicked”, both of which would challenge the group’s vocal and technical abilities even further.

For those interested in learning more about the competition, the National Association of Drama Directors (NADD) hosts a detailed overview of the festival on its website, which provides the competition guidelines, scoring rubric and registration deadlines. The East High School’s own page lists past productions and achievements, offering a snapshot of the program’s growth over the past decade.

The success of East High’s theatre students at this national competition is a testament to the power of community support, rigorous rehearsal schedules, and the dedication of a passionate faculty. As the school celebrates this milestone, it also looks forward to new challenges, confident that its next generation of performers will continue to set the stage on fire.