The 2025-2026 International Thespian Society state festival stood out as a highlight of the academic year, with unforgettable memories and new experiences. This three-day event was defined by its high-school performances, immersive workshops, and the deep sense of community fostered during shared bonding time.
Laughter and excitement were in the air, which can be seen in the event’s most memorable lines. Kaelynn Harder (12) said that her favorite quote, “WE WERE ROBBED!” was said repeatedly by Madeline Romans (12) following every award presentation.
The stage came alive with a diverse range of productions, including “The Voices of the Titanic,” “Trap,” “Bright Star,” “You Can’t Take it With You,” and “Ride the Cyclone.” The performances had lasting impacts, as Erin Wyss said, “Bright Star has been stuck in my head ever since I saw it.”
Beyond watching productions, the Platteview Thespians expanded their horizons through various workshops. Freshman Lindsey Lyons favored the “‘Toxic’ mock dance audition,” saying, “I loved learning some new types of dancing, doing it with friends, and having fun.” Mckenna Songster (11) found her inspiration from another workshop, stating her favorite was “stage combat because we got to do a lot of fun improv and talk to a lot of new people.”
Through the entire festival, the spirit of fun was everywhere. Summarizing the experience, Estelle Redlightning (12) shared, “My favorite part was playing board games and getting to experience all the different performances that were held at the Holland Performing Arts Center.”
