Downriver school’s theater students shine in statewide competition

Lincoln Park High School theater students commanded the stage at this month’s Michigan Thespian Festival in Lansing, adding to the school’s growing roster of awards and scholarship offers and proudly representing their school’s elite program.

The students, who are also members of Lincoln Park High School’s Troupe 4569 of the International Thespian Society, performed for a panel of theater professionals in the Thespy competition during the festival, held Dec. 13-14 at the Lansing Center.

“I am incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment our students dedicated to this competition and continue to invest in our growing and successful theater program,” said Geoffrey Kopp, Lincoln Park High School theater director.

“It’s wonderful to see our students broadening their experiences on the stage and learning skills that will help them excel in school and beyond.”

Individual awards

The Railsplitter theater students earned the following scores and recognitions:

• Gianni Espinoza, solo musical theater, and Olivia Sherwood, theater marketing, earned “superior” ratings and qualified to compete at the National Thespian Festival in summer 2025.
• Kit Pilon, costume design, and Royce Withrow, theater performance, took part in the College Scholarship Competition consisting of auditions, callbacks and in-person interviews.
• Gabby Tuttle and Withrow earned “excellent” ratings in monologue.

Withrow steps up

Withrow, a senior who is a state thespian officer and helped organize the festival with peers from around the state, performed on the main stage during opening and closing ceremonies. He also led workshops for other students throughout the weekend.

“I would like to personally congratulate these outstanding students for their continued success on and off the stage,” said Terry Dangerfield, Lincoln Park Public Schools superintendent.

“Their dedication to their craft inspires other students to get involved with our theater program, which is part of a well-rounded education that prepares our Railsplitters for success.”