For the first time, 11 students from the Lake Shore High School Musical Group, along with Director Raymond Filipek, will attend the Michigan Thespian Festival on December 12 and 13. The festival offers workshops, college auditions and scholarship opportunities for young performers across the state, giving high school artists a chance to grow their skills and connect with others in the theatre community.

Students will compete in the following categories:

• Group Acting – Kara Lawfield, Donovan Ripari, Zoe Pierce
• Duet Acting – Ellie Mitchener-Rubino, Leo Louwers
• Duet Acting – Donovan Ripari, Brielle Starks
• Solo Monologue – Meghan Creson
• Solo Monologue – Leo Louwers
• Solo Musical Vocals – Aubree Giacona
• Solo Musical Vocals – Ashley Geib
• Duet Musical Vocals – Ashley Geib, Ellie Mitchener-Rubino
• Duet Musical Vocals – Angel Lebow, Elizabeth Schoof
• Group Musical Vocals – Angel Lebow, Zoe Pierce, Brielle Starks
• Duet Dance – Aubree Giacona, Meghan Creson

Geib was also nominated by Filipek for the Thespian scholarship, and she will also have the opportunity to audition for additional scholarships from individual schools.

Filipek said this event is especially meaningful because he wanted to bring competition opportunities back into the program. “This is really important to me because when I was a high school student, we would compete every year in the arts. When I took this job at LS three years ago, that was something I wanted to bring to this program. So to have it come to fruition and this be the first one is really exciting for me and the program,” Filipek said. He added that the students’ experience in musical theatre, drama, and choir has prepared them well for the festival.

“Being a part of the musical and, for some students, being in drama and choir as well, is so instrumental. Musicals are a combination of acting and singing, whereas in choir and drama, they get more specific work with drama and chorus work. Now, being in the musicals and learning how to perform on stage will really help for this hyper-specific competition,” Filipek said. He also shared that he has seen clear growth in every student attending.

“The great thing about this competition is the variety of disciplines, from singing solos to group singing and acting monologues to a dance group we are sending,” Filipek said. “The growth of these students from the first time I met everyone till now has been amazing to see; they are ready for this moment.” He added that the festival also helps young performers develop important skills.

“I believe competition brings out the best in people, and being under a time crunch makes people work harder and stronger, and puts differences aside and work together. It is just a great way to learn and grow,” Filipek said, and he hopes students learn the value of teamwork and support.

“I hope that everyone learns from others and learns to work as a group for our program to give us a good first showing and set up the program for the rest of time,” Filipek said.

For seniors like Aubree Giacona, the festival represents a significant milestone in her high school journey. “This festival means a lot to me, especially as a senior. It feels like this is a huge opportunity for me to secure a scholarship for the things I love to do,” Giacona said. She expressed her excitement about her duet dance with Meghan Creson, saying, “We’ve both dedicated a lot of time to it, and it’s incredibly fun to perform together.”

Giacona also reflected on the personal connections she’s made through the musical. “Being in the musical has allowed me to meet so many people I never thought I would interact with, and I feel so grateful to be a part of their lives,” she said. She hopes to leave a lasting message for the underclassmen: “No matter what role you have, make sure to have fun and embrace the experience. Take the time to meet new people and build those connections.”

Junior Angel Lebow said, “Going to the festival means I can finally show what I’m made of … I have been dedicated to music my whole life … I feel I have improved immensely this past year working with my director, Ray.”

Lebow expressed excitement about the acting workshops, stating, “I enjoy acting … but I definitely need to work on it for future performances.” 

This year’s musical gave her her biggest responsibility. She said, “I am so grateful to be trusted with the role of Waitress Number One and the understudy of Justice Charlier … I have figured out how to practice consistently outside of rehearsal times.”

Lebow is proud of her growth this year, saying, “I have finally figured out how to do a vibrato … I have gained more confidence with my singing and who I am on stage … You just have to stick with it and be confident to put on a great show.”

Looking ahead, Lebow is excited about the festival’s impact, saying, “This festival will help me further my confidence by performing in front of judges … Being with so many talented people, I will learn many techniques and points of view.”

Lake Shore is currently rehearsing Rock of Ages for January and will perform Frozen in May. Students hope the festival experience will help them bring new skills, confidence, and teamwork into their upcoming productions.