Florida State Thespian Festival

This past week was our annual Florida State Thespian Festival. (The largest in the country) 100 plus students from Blake participated in this very prestigious festival, and were given some of the highest awards and accolades possible.

First, on Wednesday, David Friedman, Julian Kazenas, and Cameron Kubly performed their Ensemble Acting Scene (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged-Romeo and Juliet) for the Opening Ceremonies of the Festival. They were on stage at Carol Morsani Hall as District 9 Representative. The highest honor in our district. They earned a Superior rating for their scene.

Then, on Thursday, our Troupe performed Parade in Blake's Don Thompson Theatre for a sold out house of theatre professionals and students. Full cast, tech, and orchestra. 100+ involved. The students received a standing ovation and were praised for their amazing work by hundreds of people. Even up to the last minute of the competition...which ended Saturday night at 1:00 AM...people were coming up to our students saying how they changed their lives with their work.

Friday/Saturday we had various individual events performed and various scholarships auditioned for. Our students got amazing scores and feedback on all of their work and we are so pleased.

Then on Saturday came the 2 hugest highlights...
Senior, Amber Hoffmeister, was selected as one of only 10 students to receive a prestigious scholarship to further her theatre career. Hundreds auditioned...she was selected!!! :)

And lastly...the highest honor our State has to offer is the Broadway Star of the Future Award. James Nederlander, a famous Broadway producer, started a scholarship fund that awards 2 students from each state a full paid week long trip to New York. They study at NYU with top directors, choreographers, etc...go see Broadway Shows, and at the end of the trip, 2 students are awarded a FULL RIDE, 4 YEAR SCHOLARSHIP TO NYU!!! The award is given to one female and one male from the State, and they are essentialy voted, BEST ACTOR or BEST ACTRESS in the State of Florida.

I am THRILLED to announce, that our very own, Samantha Schneider-Behen, was selected as BEST ACTRESS, BROADWAY STAR OF THE FUTURE 2012!!!!!! (For her role of Lucille in Parade)

Please congratulate any and all of our students that you see this week on their amazing achievements!!! We are so very proud of all of them.

And...in 2 weeks, Rent opens!!! Get your tickets now!!! :) We will be on the news with Charlie Belcher Tuesday Morning promoting the show. And also, Broadway professional Nikki Snelson is coming to Blake for a solo concert and to teach workshops that same weekend.

Our cup runeth over...

Thanks to all of you for your continued support! We would be nothing without the entire Blake Family on board every step of the way.

Thanks again!!!
Seth Travaglino
Musical Theatre Director
Thespian Sponsor
Blake High School
813-272-3422 Ext. 632