Owensboro will once again host the Kentucky Thespian Festival, with more than 475 theatre students, teachers, and industry professionals set to attend from November 7-9. The event will primarily take place at the RiverPark Center, along with Apollo High School.
Chapter director of the Kentucky Thespians Carolyn Greer said the event provides a platform for high school theatre students across the state to showcase their talent, gain professional feedback, and network with peers and mentors.
Greer emphasized the importance of the festival’s venue.
“We’re thrilled to be able to use the RiverPark Center,” Greer said. “The opportunity for students to perform on the Cannon Hall stage or even in the Jody Berry Cabaret Theatre is an experience they’ll remember forever. It’s a step up from the college settings where our festivals have typically been held.”
The festival begins Thursday evening at Apollo High School with the “Thespys” – individual events where students perform monologues, scenes, and musical solos and duets, as well as showcase various technical skills.
“We’ll have 140 individual performances judged by 24 adjudicators, including categories in dance,” Greer said. “The focus is on education and improvement; a select few may be chosen to perform during the closing ceremony, but the primary goal is feedback and growth.”
Friday and Saturday include over 50 workshops and 11 theatrical productions performed by high schools statewide. Juniors and seniors will also have the chance to audition for college scholarships.
“We have about eight colleges attending this year, and our state chapter will offer a $2,000 scholarship, which is often distributed among several deserving students,” Greer noted.
The festival’s schedule also includes the “Backstage Challenge,” where students compete in technical skills exercises designed by Disney Theatrical and the Educational Theatre Association.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for our technicians to shine and for students to develop new backstage skills,” Greer said.
Greer said Owensboro’s hospitality has played a crucial role in the festival’s success.
“This is our ninth year hosting here, and the local hotels and businesses have been incredibly supportive,” Greer said. “With food trucks and other local vendors involved, this event really makes a positive economic impact.”
While most participants are from out of town, roughly 60 local students from Owensboro, Apollo, and Daviess County High Schools will join. Greer expressed gratitude for the community’s support, especially for the arts.
“Our community is fortunate to have a venue like the RiverPark Center,” she said. “If it weren’t for our community’s strong support of the arts, events like this wouldn’t be possible.”
