Drama club wins medals at statewide conference

Since 1998, the Drama department has attended the annual International Thespian Society (ITS) conference held in Southern California, but this year the department brought home more medals than ever before from the conference held March 22-25.

Among the school’s victors were several first-place winners: sophomore Annelise Nussbacher in Costume Design, junior Stephen Jensen in Sound Design, junior Gabby Crolla and seniors Maddie Emery and Josh Harris in Group Musical, sophomores Clayton Brown and Ehrland Hollingsworth and Harris in Improv.

Junior Shayda Roohparvar won second in Set Design, sophomore Katie Burns and junior DJ Traina were recognized as Best Scenic Crew members and Jensen was recognized as Best Assistant Stage Manager. Several groups also received call-backs for other categories as well.

These victories were over a more than a thousand total other students, making these awards prestigious and hard-won.

All the students had a great time, with a trip to Disneyland and hours of educational workshops as well as competitions and an “All-State Show,” which incorporates performances from several groups into one huge show.

“Everyone always bonds on these trips, which is wonderful because not only do we form individual friendships, but we grow closer together as a department and a family,” Nussbacher said.

All the students worked hard on their performances and presentations, and the hard work was evident in the numerous victories.

“I worked a good six months on that project,” Roohparvar said. “I’m glad all that time paid off.”

The rush of winning would be nothing, of course, without the support of the close-knit drama program. The students attended as many performances as they could, cheering for their friends whenever possible.

“Knowing that I had won, hearing all of my closest friends, who are like my family, cheer for me and scream as I walked down the aisle, gave me such confidence and pride,” Nussbacher said. “I felt on top of the world, all thanks to their support.”

Members of the drama department makes this pilgrimage every year, learning new lessons each time.

“I think it’s really going to help us next year, knowing we can do so well,” Roohparvar said. “I guarantee we’re going to bring our all next year.”

All students are encouraged to attend if they have interest in the trip.

“I would urge absolutely every student who has the slightest interest in anything theater related, or who even just wants to have a really good time and make the best friends, to go to ITS,” Nussbacher said.