“Wahlert students have done very well at Thespian Festival in the past, and we hope to continue that this year,” said Mr. Colin Muenster. The Thespian Festival occurs annually in November. Students from across the state of Iowa present and compete in different theatrical events including monologue, group musical, individual or duet musical, and short film.

This year, Wahlert will present last year’s winter show, “Crushed.” Kate Hanley, ‘16, recalled when she found out that “Crushed” was to be performed. “It seemed so far away, and I wasn’t really nervous. But, now that it’s closer, I am getting nervous.” Some of these nerves come from the competition aspect of the event. “We aren’t just performing in Wahlert’s little theater, we are performing in front of hundreds of people and being judged.” Hanley explained.

Some students aren’t as nervous about the competitive nature as they are about their involvement. This year marks Matthew Carpenter’s, ‘16, third time performing. His excitement about theater is evident in his involvement. Performing in four events, can obviously lead to some nerves. “I am performing in ‘Crushed’, as well as two monologues and a musical duet with Aidan McSperrin, ‘17.” said Carpenter. Although he has been busy, his passion for performing drives him. “There are some things that can’t be expressed with simple words, but as people watch a performance, they begin to understand the deeper meaning behind the story.”.

The community can get a glimpse of  Wahlert’s talent in its upcoming shows including “An Evening of Theatre” which is both performed and directed by students.

Gallery • 12 Photos

A HAIRY SITUATION? Matthew Carpenter, '16, clutches a doll that he made out of his crush's hair in "Crushed," one of the student-directed plays from last year. That play's cast will be performing once again at the Thespian Festival, which is being held at the University of Northern Iowa.