Throughout March 19-22, 2025, the St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s International Thespian Honor Society troop 5-9-9-9 traveled to Tampa and participated in the Florida State Thespy Events. At states, the judges score the students using a rubric, with ratings ranging from Fair to Superior. Those earning Superior ratings are eligible to advance to the International Thespian Festival.
For STA Players, this year’s Florida State Thespian Festival in Tampa was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for artistic development, standout performances, and well-earned accolades. The company engaged themselves in the world of theater by attending exciting workshops, Thespy events, and nightly Mainstage presentations.
Before making the chilly trek to the busy Tampa Convention Center, each morning started with breakfast at the Starbucks in the hotel lobby. The group would tour Downtown Tampa during lunch breaks, stopping briefly at Publix. Dinner was frequently an adventure in and of itself, such as a trip to a burger joint with a pirate theme where students spoke with a Captain Jack Sparrow character.
Saint Thomas Aquinas students experienced a moment of pride during the opening ceremony. Two notable accolades were given to their production of The Great Gatsby: Valentina Ramos was designated an All-Star Crew Member, and Alexi Arocho was named an All-Star Cast Member.
Students had the opportunity to see a number of exceptional Mainstage performances at several venues in downtown Tampa during the course of the week. Highlights were The Revolutionists, a strong, female-driven piece set during the French Revolution; Romeo and Juliet, a daring adaption; and Six:The Musical, a contemporary recounting of Henry VIII’s wives.
STA’s Players made the most of their time in Tampa, from competing on stages to connecting over Broadway and hamburgers. The festival strengthened their love for the performing arts while also showcasing their talent and hard work. Students brought six competitive pieces to the Thespy Competition, and the group achieved remarkable scores, winning two Excellents and four Superiors. The following were among the technical entries and award-winning performances:
Alexi Arocho received straight superiors for her makeup design from The Great Gatsby. Victoria Mendez received straight superiors for her solo musical theater performance. Alana Rutigliano received straight superiors for her costume construction from Steel Magnolias, Alexi Arocho and Cole Christenson scored a superior on their duet musical theater performance. Victoria Mendez, Anaelle Jean-Jacques, Avery Patterson, Ellison Howard, Harley Rojas, Juliana Bohm, Alexi Arocho, Rebecca Hilbert, Sofia Gonzalez-Granda, and Valentina Clemente Scored an excellent on their large group musical theater performance from Legally Blonde. Presley Dean, Dylan Saito, Cody Straka, and Cole Christianson scored an excellent for their student-directed scene performance from Death of a Salesman.
Superior:
Alana Rutigliano – Costume Construction (Steel Magnolias)
Alexi Arocho & Cole Christianson – Duet Musical (Bonnie & Clyde)
Alexi Arocho – Makeup Design (The Great Gatsby)
Victoria Mendez – Solo Muaical (Waitress)
Excellent:
Juliana Bohm, Valentina Clemente, Vicky Mendez, Alexi Arocho, Sofia Gonzalez-Granda, Ellison Howard, Anaelle Jean-Jacques, Avery Patterson, Rebecca Hilbert, Harley Rojas – Large Group Musical (Legally Blonde)
Dylan Saito, Cole Christianson, Cody Straka, Presley Dean – Student Directing (Death of a Salesman)
