TA News

After two successful performances at Thetford Academy and a win at the regional competition (hosted by TA) in March, the cast and crew of the one-act play Rue took the show to St. Albans this weekend to perform at the Vermont State Drama Festival. Rue, written by Mandy Conner, centers around sixteen-year-old Josephine, who struggles with intense anxiety following the mysterious disappearance of her parents. Her journey, set deep in a Louisiana swamp, finds her looking for answers in dark and often dangerous places.

Directed by drama teacher Jeff Seabaugh, the cast and crew of Rue spent the semester in TA’s One Act Play class bringing the mystical and often heart-wrenching story to life. This weekend, the troupe gave it all they had in St. Albans. Reflecting on the weekend, the class said that “It was an absolutely amazing experience, but it certainly tested our abilities. We had to work hard and push our limits. We did our best, though, and it paid off: we won!”

The win, though hard-earned and exciting, was just part of the experience for students. “The State Festival gave us the chance to see so many great shows, and to learn so much more about theater from the other programs across the state.” It was a chance, too, to get and give feedback, to grow and improve on students’ acting and technical abilities. Next up, TA will take Rue to represent Vermont at the New England Drama Festival in May.

Congratulations to the cast and crew: Grace Brown, Hanae Debo, Jillian Fein, Luke Kidd, Piper Leibon, Natalie Lewis, Preston Perkins, Nico Roya, Lorelei St. Martin, Ramona Spelman, Jake Wakefield. Lighting, Costume, and Set Design by Hugo Billiau and the company of Rue. Sound Board Operator: Maggie Mikovitz. Stage Manager; Jillian Fein.