Troupe 4421: Florida State Thespian Festival

For Thespian Troupe 4421 at John I. Leonard High School, attending the Florida State Thespian Festival represents an extraordinary opportunity, especially for the underprivileged students who are new to the world of theatre. This is not merely a trip—it is an immersive educational and creative experience that could redefine these students’ perspectives on what they are capable of achieving.

As a brand-new troupe at a school that hasn’t had a theatre program for 20 years, the students have already made remarkable strides. Despite their inexperience, they earned Critic’s Choice for their large group musical at the district festival—an incredible accomplishment that reflects their hard work, passion, and potential. Sharing their work on a larger stage at the state festival would give them the recognition and exposure they truly deserve.

The festival offers invaluable opportunities that extend beyond performance. Students will have access to workshops and master classes taught by industry professionals, providing them with new skills and insights to grow as artists. They will witness inspiring performances from their peers, explore technical theatre, and even compete in individual events that highlight their talents. Importantly, the festival creates a pathway to connections, awards, and even scholarships that could profoundly impact their future.

For these students, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds, this experience is about more than theatre. It is about opening doors to possibilities they may never have imagined and breaking down barriers that often limit access to such enriching opportunities. The chance to attend and shine at the state festival will inspire these young artists and instill in them the confidence to dream bigger—both on and off the stage.

But here’s the challenge: getting to the State Festival costs money. For our students to attend, we need to raise $10,000 to cover transportation, lodging, and other necessary expenses. Many of our students come from underprivileged backgrounds and have never had the chance to travel for an opportunity like this. We believe no student should miss out on this experience due to financial constraints.

Breakdown of costs:

Transportation:

Lodging: