FEST, a long-standing tradition at Perry Meridian High School for 13 years, is a unique, all-student-run theater program where creativity takes center stage. Every aspect of the production, from writing and directing to performance, is led by students, offering a rare opportunity for young artists to take full control of their work. The program operates under the guidance of Perry Meridian teachers Jacquelyn Sheehan and Stefanie Davis, who offer support while allowing students the freedom to shape their artistic journeys. Writers spend the summer brainstorming to ready their stories for submission. Anyone, thespian or not, is allowed to write and submit their own one-act play.
Year after year, participants use FEST as a platform not only to refine their theatrical skills but also to express themselves in meaningful ways. The result is a collaborative environment that fosters both individual growth and collective creativity, giving students a voice and a stage to share their ideas with the wider school community. “[FEST] provides the opportunity for your words to be acted,” Sheehan said. This opportunity to showcase one’s artistic capabilities is what makes FEST special. Anyone can make an impact through these shows, whether through performing in the spotlight, working hard to keep it afloat backstage or writing authentic, inspiring plays to showcase.
Despite the crowd of new auditioners, this year, there is a smaller pool of directors. In past years, FEST has featured four plays; however, “This year, we only had three directors submit their plays, so it was narrowed down,” Sheehan said. However, this setback did not stop the flow of FEST from running its course. The three plays selected for performance this year are “Resonance,” written by Alexandra Vance and directed by Abigail Witkemper, “The Space in Between,” written by Thatin Iang and directed by Savannah Xochitlatoa and “Read Between the Lines,” written by Abrielle Blackwell and directed by Evan Klipsch. Years of theatrical and technical experience make this year’s lineup unforgettable.
Students dedicate one month to rehearsing for the one-act play. Rehearsing each day after school, actors find joy in the simplistic and mellow flow of the theatrical showcase.
“Our community is so amazing when it comes to just treating everybody correctly. That is the whole center of this entire thing, and it is so much fun,” Olsen Burr said. Encouraging other students to audition, “It’s not as intimidating as, like, trying out for the musical or the play,” Burr said. Rather, FEST is an opportunity for aspiring actors to practice their craft, build confidence, and collaborate in a supportive environment that celebrates creativity and inclusivity. “I’ve seen many, you know, freshmen and sophomores who haven’t done any kind of theater, or even any after-school activities– go into that audition, do that read-through and excel at FEST,” Klipsch said.
When the spotlight hits the stage and the audience quiets, the seamless magic of a performance often hides the intricate web of preparation behind it. From the first spark of an idea to the final curtain call, countless hours of organizing, rehearsing and producing work tirelessly behind the scenes — they pull back the curtain to reveal the dedication, collaboration and creative problem-solving that bring every show to life. Showing just how much goes into turning scripts and rehearsals into unforgettable moments.
Students rush frantically, preparing with all their focus and energy, absorbing every direction, every blocking cue, and every costume detail. “I am thankful for the costume managers; they helped me prepare for my scene changes and get everything ready for me,” Ella Coller said.
Behind every scene on stage is a team of students working tirelessly, calling cues, adjusting lights, prepping props, and making last-minute adjustments. One of the most important, but overlooked, aspects of FEST is the technical group behind the curtains. “[Tech] is so needed. They come in a little later, but when they are, they are the main focus. The show can’t happen without them,” Burr said.
“This is a part of theater they’ll never get to do otherwise,” Sheehan said, emphasizing the value of stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing the energy of live production. Many FEST veterans encourage students to get involved, even without prior experience. “It’s really a very inclusive environment, and new people are always welcome. I’d love to encourage anybody to try FEST,” Klipsch said. New opportunities for students from all sorts of backgrounds make FEST better and better every year. “The thing I really appreciate and keep looking forward to every year is meeting all the new people,” Hadyn Scott said. These connections reach even beyond FEST, with students remarking how they gained many long-term friendships with people they worked with in FEST. FEST’s welcoming community allows it to work so well and create amazing plays every year.
From years upon years of experience, to new original plays being showcased, the nature of it all is a display of many hours of work that have come together to demonstrate what students are capable of creatively. “The plays this year are very, very interesting, and I encourage everyone to come and watch this year,” Klipsch said. Whether you’re behind the curtain or in the audience, there’s something truly unforgettable about being part of it all. “Come to FEST, it is so much fun, and I think you should definitely audition for it if you have the chance next year,” Burr said. There’s an opportunity shown through FEST that isn’t represented often. Whether you’re on stage, backstage or in the audience, FEST proves what students can achieve when given creative freedom and a supportive space.
