This past fall, our incredible students took to the theatre stage to perform Little Women the Musical, a coming-of-age musical based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Our young thespians put on a wonderful show and were even selected to perform again at the annual Thespian Conference.

The Missouri Thespian Conference took place at Union Station from Wednesday, January 7, to Saturday, January 10. Over the course of four days, nearly 2,000 students, teachers, and theatre professionals attended workshops, keynote addresses, and three Mainstage productions. These three Mainstage productions are selected each year from all Missouri high school shows that submit applications. Following a show's application, a panel of three adjudicators selects the final three to perform on Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday afternoon.

While Westminster has attended the Missouri Thespian Conference for several years, this was the first time we have submitted one of our shows for adjudication. After careful review, Westminster's production of Little Women the Musical was chosen as one of the three Mainstage performances, and our students took to the stage once more on Friday, January 9, at the Stifel Theatre downtown.

 

Several parents attended the Friday night show and were blown away by the incredible performance.

"I was so impressed with how the cast and crew pulled the show back together so seamlessly on an entirely new stage. But what was especially exciting about the performance at ThesCon was the audience. They made it feel like watching the show for the very first time, because they reacted to every joke, every emotional moment between characters, every plot reveal—with enthusiasm," says Michelle Mason.

Westminster's performance also had a significant impact on the many students from schools across the state that sat in the audience.

"The entire production made a tremendous impression on the students in attendance, who expressed their enthusiasm at multiple points throughout the musical as they reacted to the plot and performances. My daughter told me that a student came up to her the next day to compliment her and the school on the performance. She began to choke up as she spoke, saying that the story and performances deeply impacted her. She asked my daughter if she would be willing to take a photograph with her," says Dan Burke.

Overall, the entire production was a resounding success and a wonderful example of Westminster's dedication to excellence, particularly on the stage.

"To say I’m proud is an understatement. Our kids receive more than training from their teachers here—Mr. Butz, Mr. Schwamb, Mr. Cockerham, Mrs. Rosenberg, and Ms. Diane are teaching our kids how to wield their talent to break through the darkness of the world and be a light to those around them," says Christine Mosley.

"As a mom of a senior, I am so proud that Quentin was able to be a part of this production. He said this is truly the highlight of all the productions he’s participated in. To see the big grin from ear to ear on his face after the show left me awestruck. As Moms in Prayer, we prayed on Wednesday that God would keep everyone safe, that the conference would be a blessing, and that everyone attending would see God through our kiddos. Our prayers were answered," says Granotta Farquharson.

 

HR

Learn more about Westminster's incredible Performing Arts program →