Bullis Students Excel at Thespian Festival

In the world of performing arts, there is no greater joy than showcasing one's talent and being appreciated for it. Bullis’s Thespian Troupe #3707 recently had the chance to do just that! Twelve Bullis Middle School students attended the first-ever Maryland Jr. Thespian Festival, and nearly 40 Upper School students participated in the two-day Maryland Thespian Festival hosted at the University of Maryland, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, leaving their mark on the events.

Our students participated in various workshops ranging from puppetry, musical theatre dance, stage combat, juggling, and design. They enjoyed viewing other schools' One Act performances and participating in troupe events like the trash costume contest, theatre quiz bowl, improv, and make-up design. 

Bullis students proved to be a talented bunch, winning first place in both the trash costume contest and the make-up design challenge. 

Three students represented Bullis as State Thespian Officers, Sam P. '24, Zoe A. '25, and Brookey T. '26, were leaders throughout the festival, helping to facilitate One Acts, troupe events, and raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.

Six students were recognized as All-State Thespians, nominated by their troupe director, and earned at least 60 points: Juliana B. '24, Amelie C. '24, Alci O.F. '24, Brookey T. '26, Cyrus R. '24, and Sam P. '24. 

Sam P. '24 was also awarded this year's Distinguished Senior Award, which recognizes a senior's significant contributions to their Thespian Troupe, their unwavering dedication to the International Thespian Society, and their overall school theatre program. Congratulations, and thank you, Sam! 

Many students also submitted solo, duet, or group performances for adjudication. Students receiving superior ratings participated in a callback process for the chance to be selected for the closing ceremony showcase. Three students were chosen to represent Bullis: Cyrus R. '24 performed two monologues on stage, Tahlia W. '25 displayed her research and costume design for Clue, and finally, Alci O.F. '24 showed his short film on loop for audience members to view. 

Following are our student's overall ratings — we are so proud of their bravery and performances: 

Superior 

• Abe G. '27 and Juliet W. '27 - Duet Musical Theatre
• Rosie T. '25 and Sam P. '24 - Duet Musical Theatre
• Lucy K. '26, Max B. '25, Sam P. '24, Zach C. '24, and Zoe A. '25 - Group Musical Theatre 
• Rosie T. '25 - Solo Musical Theatre 
• Zoe A. '25 - Solo Musical Theatre
• Juliet W. '27 - Solo Musical Theatre
• Zach C. ' 24 - Solo Musical Theatre 
• Tahlia W. '25 - Costume Design
• Alci O.F. '24 - Short Film Making 
• Cyrus R. '24 - Solo Acting 

Excellent 

• Callum M. '28, Eden S. '28, and Talia S. '28 - Group Acting 
• Juliana B. '24 - Solo Acting & Solo Musical Theatre
• Kylie W. '27 - Solo Musical Theatre 
• Abe G. '27 - Solo Musical Theatre 
• Cyrus R. '24 - Solo Musical Theatre
• Lucy K. '26 - Solo Musical Theatre 
• Luna C. '27 - Solo Musical Theatre

Good

• Jackie B. '28 and Anastasiya S. '28 - Duet Acting
• Grace C. '27 and Luna C. '27 - Duet Musical Theatre
• Darian H. '26 and Miles W. '26 - Duet Musical Theatre 
• Sebby S. '27 - Solo Acting 
• Sophie S. '27 - Solo Acting 
• Margot P. '25 - Solo Musical Theatre
• Brookey T. '26 - Solo Musical Theatre

We are excited that both Cyrus R. '24 and Rosie T. '25 were awarded several scholarship opportunities from multiple schools and programs should they choose to accept. Looking ahead, any student who received a Superior Rating has the opportunity to represent Bullis at the International Thespian Festival held in Indiana this summer.

We extend a special thanks to the chaperones who made this weekend trip possible: Mr. Charles Johnson, Ms. Cheryl Terwilliger, Ms. Kathleen Adams, Ms. Catherine From, Mr. Everett Lum, and Ms. Chelsie King.

Congratulations to all the Bullis students who participated in the Thespian Festival and showcased their talent and dedication to the arts!