As the lights go down, the crowd goes quiet, and outcome the thespians. Trev Perreira knows this is their last performance. Perreira is overwhelmed with joy, knowing that they created the set for their last time.

From April 1-3, the California Thespian Festival took place in the Highlander Auditorium in Upland, California.

According to the California Education Theatre Organizations and California Thespians, the annual state festival offers workshops, performance opportunities, scholarships and the chance to meet and learn from actors and actresses, called thespians,  from all over the state.

“I did an interview to be an Assistant Director for a few of the performances on the main stage,” senior Trev Perreira said. “I also interviewed to be a set painter and prepared a presentation for the tech scholarship.  I did get to be an AD for some of the performances, and I was able to help create the set. I also won a scholarship for my work in technical theatre.”

Many SMCHS theatre students like Perreira have attended the festival during their high school experience, sharpening their artistic skills and strengthening their area of theatrical expertise.

“Freshman through junior year, I’d participated in every show as either an actor or a technician at SM, and I’d always loved the experience that I got out of it,” said Perreira.

Any high schooler is able to attend the festival, but he or she must be “inducted” to be able to go. To be inducted, one must have ten thespian points. One thespian point is equal to ten hours of quality work in theater.

“The festival is three days long,” said Perreira. “The first day, Friday, is dedicated to Individual Events (IEs), auditions, and interviews to figure out who goes where.  On Saturday, we do workshops, we prepare for the main stage event that night, we put together the All State Show and we build the stage for the All State Show.”

Individuals are able to receive recognitions or awards for their contribution to the All State Show. They may also receive acknowledgement for their high school pieces, acting or  other contribution to their school play.

“I competed for a scholarship in performance and tech categories,” said Perreira. “I won a scholarship while there for my work as a prop designer, graphic artist, and stage manager.”

Many who attended not only benefitted from what they learned while there, but created lasting memories that are an integral part of their high school experience.

“State festival has been the source of memories, inside jokes, recognition of hard work, new friendships and scholarships,” said Perreira.  “I will always hold state in the highest regard.  It’s deeply affected my experience in theatre.”

Going to the festival has inspired many students to purse their love for the arts and dedicate themselves fully to what they are passionate about.

“After going to state, I was ready to dedicate my senior year to performing arts.  I took a ton of theatre-related extracurriculars like Comedy Sportz and Cappies, and I applied for much higher positions in technical theatre like Prop Designer or Stage Manager, and got a much more significant role than I had in the past as Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol.  State has pushed me to rise to my theatre potential and for this I am very grateful.”