Watch: 8 Talented Heritage Academy Thespians Earn Spots at Nationals!

Eager anticipation fills the air at Heritage Academy, as eight students prepare to showcase their talents at a national competition this summer. Qualified for the International Thespian Society Awards, these Maricopa teens will compete at Indiana University in June.

“We’re super excited,” expressed Carrie Vargas, the academy’s dedicated theatre director. She has been tirelessly working with her students on their upcoming production of the musical Anastasia, even on her days off.

In just two years at Heritage Academy, Vargas has guided her students to participate in various acting competitions. Recently, she led a troupe of 23 students to the Central Arizona Festival of Theater, where those who excelled advanced to the national stage.

This year, eight students from Heritage Academy and another three from Heritage Academy Laveen earned invitations to the International Thespian Society Awards. They performed a range of pieces, from monologue acting to musical theater solos, capturing superior ratings in the process.

Sofia Limon and Jaxson Howell stood out with their duet “Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind” from Spring Awakening. Limon also gained recognition for her two monologues, while Elise showcased her skills with a performance of “Nobody’s Side” from the musical Chess.

This competition offers more than just a stage; it will feature workshops for performers and educators, along with opportunities for college auditions that place students in front of scouts and industry professionals. Vargas highlighted the event’s value, noting that “Disney’s coming in and doing tech sessions,” emphasizing real-world skills.

Students will present their talents not only to family and friends but also to potential college recruiters. Vargas noted that the competition can lead to scholarships, as it previously helped students secure offers from various institutions.

Funding for this national trip poses a significant challenge. Each student needs to raise several thousand dollars for expenses, a task made difficult without support from the charter school’s budget. To address this, three students have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover costs for the trip.

Community support has become crucial. “We are hoping to throw together a showcase as a fundraiser to raise money for all eight scholars and the three from Heritage Academy Laveen,” said Laura Studebaker, a parent involved in fundraising efforts.

The International Thespian Festival is expected to attract thousands of participants nationally. Parents believe this experience could act as a launchpad for promising careers in theater, with aspiration for future Broadway stars emerging from Maricopa.