As SDA’s Thespian Troupe 2196 strolled onto the Upland High School campus, it was clear California State Thespian Festival 2016 had begun. Spontaneous harmonizing, improv games, and poorly composed puns were in abundance on campus as thespian troupes from across California arrived at the scene.

As SDA Drama Teacher Stephanie Siers was unable to attend Festival, World History Teacher Eli Cameron served at the ‘Teacher Chaperone.’ “My first impression of Thespicon was rooted in sheer awe… I was blown away by the size and scope of the event, the professionalism of the student thespians and the quality of productions,” said Cameron.

Cameron’s experience in theatre includes his elementary school productions of “Pied Piper of Hamelin,” where he played King Rat, and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” playing the lead role of Willy Wonka.

“Mr. Cameron was super awesome and I was so happy that he came and showed us his encouragement and support,” said sophomore and Thespicon participant Rami Ibrahim.

Cameron even served as a judge. “Judging the events was an absolute pleasure! To be fair, there was a very specific rubric that [California State Thespian Council] wanted the judges to follow, but in a nutshell I was looking for ‘IT’… whatever that elusive term connotes,” said Cameron.

Over the days of the event, April 1-3, mustangs took home first place titles in Musical Theatre Dance, Musical Theatre Group, and Group Acting, as well as both first and second place in Musical Theatre Solo. SDA took home more titles in the performance category than any other high school in California. SDA also was represented in the All-State show, which is an End-of-Festival show composed of Thespian members from across California.

Some high-ranking students were even offered to perform on ‘Mainstage’ in front of the entire festival. Of these students, SDA senior and San Dieguito Academy’s Thespian President Delaney Ryan was able to perform. Ryan was of the seven students who tied for first place in the category of Musical Theatre Solo, though she was the only first place recipient who was asked to perform on stage.

“Performing on the mainstage was nerve-wracking, but it was really comforting to know that everyone there was a thespian and knew what I was going through and wanted me to do well,” said Ryan.

Each year, the event strives to build relationships between students across California through their love of theatre. At Festival, numerous workshops are offered from “Performing a Comedic Song” to “Stage Combat” to “Tai Chi.” Each workshop is taught by a renowned professional within their specific field.

“Festival fosters the competitive atmosphere that’s present in the professional world of theatre, while offering a fun and collaborative environment with groups from around California,” said Ryan.