StM News

The St. Martin’s Performing Arts Department hosted the Marti Awards on May 1, celebrating the achievements, growth and creativity of students in the Performing Arts Department. 

International Thespian Society

The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society for high school theatre students. The society was founded in 1929 and has grown to include more than 2.3 million members in over 4,900 schools across the United States and abroad.

One of the key programs of ITS is the Thespian Point System, which recognizes and rewards students for their achievements in theatre. The point system awards points to students for participating in various theatre-related activities, including performances, technical work, and leadership roles.

As students earn points, they progress through different levels of recognition, starting at the Thespian level and advancing to higher ranks such as International Honor Thespian. These ranks are determined based on the number of points earned and the level of achievement in school theatre.

The International Thespian Society provides a platform for theatre students to showcase their skills and dedication to their craft, while also offering opportunities for recognition and advancement within the society.

Honor Thespian is achieved when students have earned a minimum of 60 points, but no more than 119 points. The following students have reached Honor Thespian Rank: Madden Graffagnini and Taryn Lazarone

National Honor Thespian is achieved when students have earned a minimum of 120 points, but no more than 179 points. The following students have reached National Honor Thespian Rank: Ella Bozeman and Oli Lyons

International Honor Thespian is achieved when students have earned a minimum of 180 points or more. The following students have reached International Honor Thespian Rank: Laney Dobson, Emory Farber, and Colin Richard

Executive Board, 2023-24 

Members of the Executive Board demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and creativity in guiding our club throughout the year. These students have gone above and beyond to ensure that our club members have had the best possible experience, and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment.

Charles Patrick, President

Emory Farber, Vice President

Laney Dobson, Secretary

Oli Lyons, Historian

Ella Bozeman, Club Officer

In addition, the 2024-25 Performing Arts Club/Thespian Officers were announced: 

Ella Bozeman, President

Oli Lyons, Vice President 

Sophie Chailland, Secretary

Bennett Nettles, Historian

Students who participated in a performing arts production were recognized with an StM Star: Manny Bejaran, Frankie Blazek, Bay Bowes, Ella Bozeman, Bennett Buckley, Sophie Chialland, Ava Childress, Brittan Comer, MaryAlice Comer, Vivienne Comer, Evie Dicasali, Amirah DiGigangi, Laney Dobson, Emma Dunn, Avery Dupepe, Reid DuSaules, Dylan Engels, Emory Farber, Adriana Fasano, Samantha Fasano, Madden Graffagnini, Gianna Guirguis, Audrey Hamide, Bo Fan Hua, Jeremy Hua, Taylor Hughes, Trey Hughes, Settie Hughes, Jillian Jee, Zach Kelly, Andrew Kosarek, Jonah Kulp, Kyle Lawrence, Taryn Lazarone, Sadie Luby, Oli Lyons, Stella Majorie, Sadie Miller, Aidan Molaison, Marigny Molaison, Bennett Nettles, Bianca Norris, Ashton Oliver, Cecilia Parks, Charles Patrick, Eli Patrick, Colin Richard, Lydian Richard, Dalton Rivas, Drew Rivas, Arlyn Robinson, Gloria Ruiz, Carter Scheuermann, Hailey Silvey, Molly Stewart, Harrison Teske, Kaitlyn Tillery, Avery Vinju, Caroline Weaver, Savannah Westacott, Jayda Westbrook, and Caroline Wise.

Outstanding Lower Schooler

The Outstanding Lower Schooler of 2024 is a talented young performer who has not only showcased exceptional artistic talent but has also demonstrated outstanding dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm in the performing arts. Her performances have captivated audiences and inspired fellow students with her talent and commitment to excellence. The 2023-24 Outstanding Lower Schooler is Avery Dupepe.

Outstanding Middle Schooler

In Middle School, we have a tie! The first Outstanding Middle Schooler has performed challenging roles in both shows this school year. He is passionate in his pursuit of excellence and continuously sets a positive example of a wonderful cast member and is a friend to all. This year’s first Outstanding Middle Schooler is Dalton Rivas. 

Our second Outstanding Middle Schooler is a quiet leader who leads by example. She is dedicated to her cast, craft, and artistic expression. She is equally comfortable in Solomon Theater or Radio City Music Hall. She is a source of encouragement and friendship to all of her cast and crew mates. Our second Middle Schooler of the year is Marigny Molaison. 

Outstanding Freshman

Having natural comedic timing is a gift. If you want to be entertained or need to laugh- seek out this student. He has an ability to turn that frown upside down within moments. The range of characters he effortlessly portrays is a testament to his versatility and talent. He has easily earned the respect and admiration of his peers. The 2024 Outstanding Freshman is Dylan Engles. 

Outstanding Sophomore

The Outstanding Sophomore has the gift of physical comedy, is a skilled character actor, and an endearing entertainer. When on stage with this performer you have to be on your toes- he has the ability to tell an entire story and never open his mouth. He takes the audience on a journey with humor and heart. 

Outstanding Junior

Our Outstanding Junior is equally comfortable dancing, singing or acting. She is a true performer who takes every note and immediately applies to the next performance. She can easily command the stage as a lead performer or an ensemble member. She is a leader amongst her peers and demonstrates kindness in her approach to all. Everyone loves our very own Soprano Songbird and our Outstanding Junior of 2024, Ella Bozeman. 

Outstanding Senior 

Once a student comes to the end of their high school career, there is a lot of self reflection and remembering all of the memories that you will want to hold onto for a lifetime. That stroll down memory lane evokes laughter and some tears of longing for the simpler times. Our Outstanding Senior has a long St. Martin’s resume that includes the villain, the good guy, the funny man, the ensemble member. He plays it all, and he plays it all so well. Kyle Lawrence is the 2023-24 Outstanding Senior. 

Thespian of the Year

The Thespian of the Year Award recognizes the most dedicated and talented members of Performing Arts. To be eligible for the award, students must have demonstrated a deep commitment through their participation in productions, rehearsals, and other performance-related activities. 

This award is not simply about talent; it is about the dedication and hard work that students have put into making Performing Arts the best it can be. Instructions to the student voters: when voting for the Thespian of the Year Award, please consider each candidate's level of dedication and commitment to Performing Arts in addition to their talent and performance/technical skills. 

In her remarks to the audience, Theater Director Lynne Bordelon said, “I first met this young lady when she was only a toddler. Her favorite pastime? Running top speed down the aisles of the theatre while her sister rehearsed. Thankfully, she has outgrown that. She now walks at a reasonable pace down these aisles. But as I know her now I wonder- what if she wasn’t running just to run? She is so multifaceted in the performing arts world, that the stage seems to pull her in like a magnetic field. She is most at home in the theatre where she is a triple threat performer, make up artist, director, friend, leader, and all around pretty cool kid. She can play any character. She can move an audience to tears- whether those are emotional ones, or from laughter. But what impresses me more than all of that is her heart. She is endlessly kind to everyone, easy to work with, and is an incredible role model for all in our community. Loyola is fortunate to have her next year, and I can’t wait to bring her back as an alum.” 

The 2023-24 Thespian of the Year is Emory Farber.