Highland Twp. - Milford High School’s Thespian Troupe 4291 delivered an outstanding performance at the annual Michigan Thespian Festival, held this past weekend at the Lansing Center. Twenty-two MHS students attended the statewide event, taking part in Individual Competitive Events (Thespys), workshops, productions from other high schools, senior scholarship auditions, and networking opportunities with university and industry professionals.
The students’ efforts resulted in remarkable success. All 11 Individual/Thespy events earned Superior ratings, a clean sweep for the troupe, and MHS’s 10-minute play was the top scorer in the competition with a score of 96.67 percent, earning a Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA) state qualification.
“I am extremely proud of our students as they showed a tremendous amount of professionalism, courage, and perseverance,” the troupe’s director Megan Weeks said.
Junior Maddy Donoghue-Lozon also made history by serving on the exclusive Student Thespian Officer Board. Only 12 students statewide were selected for the board this year, and Donoghue-Lozon helped execute the festival while overseeing several aspects of the event throughout the weekend.
In addition, two MHS seniors competed in college scholarship auditions and collectively earned $231,000 in scholarship offers, with more expected in the coming months. Congratulations go to Ella Kusina and Theo Kress for representing Milford High School, Huron Valley Schools, and Troupe 4291.
Superior-rated performances included:
Anna Heimke & Maggie Stramecki – Duet Musical Theatre
Ella Kusina & Gabby Hawver – Duet Musical Theatre
Romy Gutierrez – Solo Musical Theatre
Paige Fiedler – Solo Musical Theatre
Theo Kress, Jay Webster, Gavin Bassin, Lucas Charlick & Colton Middleton – Ensemble Musical Theatre
Ella Kusina, Romy Gutierrez & Gabby Hawver – Ensemble Musical Theatre
Theo Kress – Monologue
Ayla Campbell & Maddy Donoghue-Lozon – Duet Acting
Paige Fiedler & Lucas Charlick – Duet Acting
Claire Pilchowski, Cara Brennan, Aubree Lane & Gavin Bassin – Group Acting
Kennedy Wuerth – Makeup Design
The 10-minute play, which earned the top score and MIFA state qualification, featured Gabby Hawver, Jay Webster, Kit Solomon, Cara Brennan, Aubree Lane, and Lucas Charlick.
The festival brought together more than 90 Michigan schools and over 2,000 attendees, including colleges and industry vendors. The MHS troupe extended thanks to staff, chaperones, parents, and supporters who helped prepare students and keep the weekend running smoothly.
“These kids make us look great,” Weeks added. “MHS is consistently recognized by universities, judges, and other high schools for our talent and professionalism, and this weekend was no exception.”