PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release – Community School of the Arts
Contact Info: Dr. Rosilee Russell, Executive Director, 479-739-4655, [email protected]
Deana Griffith, Director of Operations, 479-434-2020 [email protected]
Community School of the Arts Theatre Students and Director Receive High Honors at the 2024 State Thespian Festival
The Community School of the Arts in Fort Smith was proud to send several students to the Arkansas State Thespian Festival. For over 40 years, Arkansas Thespians has hosted a festival focused on teaching acting and technical theatre to high school students throughout the state.
The event offered over 100 workshops with several guest artists from around the country. Workshops included acting, dancing, stage combat, puppetry, set design, and directing. Several theatre professionals from around the country offered workshops on auditioning and getting into the theatre and film business.
One of the main events at Arkansas Thespian Festival is the Thespy competition. Thepsy Awards, named after Broadway’s Tony Awards, gives students the opportunity to compete in a variety of singing, acting, and technical events. Aiden Hammonds, Psalm Yandell, Elizabeth Marine, Mylea Holmes, and Brooke Frost all received a superior rating for their performance in the Solo Musical Category. Drake Norris received a superior rating for his performance in the Solo Acting Category. Hannah Minor received an excellent rating for her performance in the Solo Musical Category. Emmy Justice and Ellie Grinnell each received an excellent rating for their performance in the Solo Acting Category. Maylie Martin received an excellent rating for her performance in the Solo Musical Theatre Dance Category. Sarah Goodman received an excellent rating in the Short Film Category.
In addition, CSA Students were awarded over $57,000 to various universities around the country. CSA Student, Sarah Goodman, was awarded the Michelle Moss Theatre for Life Scholarship. Sarah, who also served as a State Thespian Officer said:
“I first joined the International Thespian Society in my Sophomore year. Now as a Senior, I’ve had the privilege to serve as an Arkansans State Thespian Officer among 5 other students. Attending Festival as a regular student is a lot different than attending festival as an STO. Since June, our team of STOs, Chapter Board Directors, and teachers and directors from all across the state have worked on planning the 2024 Thespian Festival. As an STO, we’ve done a lot of behind-the-scenes work such as planning the theme, the festival branding, and the merchandise as well as teaching workshops, writing ceremony scripts, and conducting student scholarship interviews. Being an STO takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I’m forever incredibly proud and grateful for my teams at Community School of The Arts and at Arkansas Thespians!”
Mylea Holmes, who was a finalist to become an STO said:
“As an STO finalist, I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and I learned so much! I got to meet with colleges and even got some scholarships! Festival is truly a highlight of the year and I’m already looking forward to next year!”
CSA Director of Theatre, Cody Walls, was awarded the Gail Burns Theatre Educator of the Year Award for the 2024 Festival. He was nominated by the students and chosen for this honor by a panel of judges.
“Being selected as the Theatre Educator of the Year is the highest honor I have ever received. I will cherish it for the rest of my life. At the state festival, our students not only demonstrated their exceptional skills but have earned the highest accolades, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence in the performing arts. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and the collective effort of our team. They serve as a reminder that hard work and passion pave the path to success. We are so proud.” Said Walls.
“I am so proud of our theatre students and our Director, Cody Walls. They have reached a level of excellence that is truly amazing for their age! I expect great things in the future from the kids and our program due to the outstanding leadership and training we provide.” Said Dr. Rosilee Russell, CSA’s Executive Director and Founder.
Students By City, State:
Fort Smith: Emmy Justice, Betsy Barr, Elizabeth Marine, Ellie Grinnell, Sarah Goodman, Maddy Cole, Mylea Holmes, Maylie Martin
Alma: Drake Norris
Greenwood: Aiden Hammonds, Hannah Minor, Jaycee McBride
Muldrow, OK: Brooke Frost
Poteau, OK: Psalm Yandell