Several Alvarado High School scholars spent the first part of their Thanksgiving break attending and competing at the Texas Thespians State Festival.

In eight years of attending the festival, AHS has never seen results like they did this year as 11 scholars qualified for the International Thespian Festival next summer and five submitted college auditions, which has resulted in 66 interviews so far

“TTSF is always a highlight of our year with AHS Theatre, but this year was extra special,” teacher Luke Hunt said. “It was the first time the festival was back in person since November 2019, and our experience with the virtual festival really motivated us to do well.”

The 11 qualifiers for the International Thespian Festival are more than the AHS troupe has had combined over previous years. Qualifying for the event at the University of Indiana were Reanna Brackeen (Monologue Acting); Deborah Crowe and Kara Browning (Duet Acting); Nathaniel McBride and Elijah Westmoreland (Duet Acting); Faith Bates, Rylee Barnett and Hagen Howard (Group Acting); Jada Selman (Solo Musical); and Carson Clay and Braelyn Thiele (Duet Musical).

Brackeen received a ‘Mainstage IE Callback’ meaning she received a perfect score from all three judges, which marks the first time that has happened for an AHS scholar.

“We were all really excited when we saw Reanna received the Mainstage Callback,” Hunt said. “Three judges, who aren’t allowed to see each other’s scoring rubrics, all gave her perfect scores in every category. Only about two percent of all IE entrants receive callbacks.”