Wakulla High School’s theatre program is celebrating a standout year after earning top recognition at the Annual Florida Thespian Competition in Tampa, where 27 students represented the school among more than 9,000 participants from across the state.
The Florida Thespian Festival, the largest high school theatre competition in the world, brings together students to compete in a wide range of performance and technical categories while also offering workshops led by Broadway professionals and access to main stage productions at some of Tampa’s premier venues.
This year, Wakulla High School was named a Gold Level Honor Troupe, the highest distinction awarded by Florida Thespians. It marks the third consecutive year the program has earned Honor Troupe status and the second time it has ranked among the top 10 theatre programs in the state with a gold designation.
Wakulla students delivered strong performances across multiple categories, earning superior (gold) ratings in solo musical, duet musical, playwriting, costume design, and theatre marketing. The troupe also received a silver rating in set design.
In addition to individual event success, the program was recognized for its full-length production of Harvey, which was adjudicated by MainStage judges in November. Two students received special honors connected to the production: Logan Hand was named to the All-Star Cast for his portrayal of Elwood P. Dowd, and Kathryne Golden earned a place on the All-Star Crew Team for excellence in stage management.
The program’s achievements extended beyond student recognition. Troupe sponsor Krissy Sanchez was honored as the recipient of the Jan McArt Director’s Chair Award from the Florida Theatre Association, recognizing her outstanding contributions to theatre education.
“I could not be more proud of these students and all the long hours and hard work they put into perfecting their art,” Sanchez said. “You come to this event and you’re surrounded by people who love your craft as much as you do, and it’s truly remarkable.”
Students also took part in a variety of educational workshops, exploring skills such as tap dance, stage combat, and audition techniques—including participating in a mock Disney audition led by a professional casting team. Others attended performances by industry professionals, including Broadway performer Kate Baldwin, as well as Etai Benson and Andy Mientus—both former Florida Thespians who have gone on to successful careers on Broadway.
Beyond the awards and accolades, Sanchez emphasized the positive and supportive environment fostered at the festival.
“These kids are so supportive of one another—even people they’ve never met before,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see students uplifting each other instead of focusing only on competition.”
Reflecting on her students, Sanchez added, “Some people only dream of meeting their favorite celebrities. I get to spend every day with mine—and I couldn’t be more blessed.”