Plano ISD Students Shine at Texas Thespian State Festival

Plano ISD Students Earn Top Honors at Texas Thespian State Festival

Young performers from across Plano ISD delivered standout performances at the 2025 Texas Thespian State Festival, earning state-level recognition, multiple awards, and qualifications for national competition. The event, which brings together thousands of student performers from across Texas, showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of Plano ISD theatre programs.

Strong Performances Across All Clusters

Students from all three Plano ISD clusters participated in the annual festival, which included competitive events, workshops, and showcases. The results reflect not only individual talent but also the strength of Plano ISD’s theatre programs and the commitment of educators supporting students on and off the stage.

Central Cluster Achievements

Plano Senior High School, Clark High School, and Vines High School represented the Central Cluster, with students participating in more than 20 individual and group events. Several students advanced to the national level, earning recognition in categories ranging from musical theatre solos to prop construction and costume design.

East Cluster Highlights

The East Cluster, represented by Plano East Senior High School, McMillen High School, and Williams High School, also saw multiple students advance to nationals. Performances highlighted a range of skills, including vocal performance, acting technique, and collaborative scene work.

West Cluster Success

Plano West Senior High School, Jasper High School, and Shepton High School made up the West Cluster, where students earned numerous performance and technical awards. Plano West’s production of Six: The Musical – Teen Edition was selected as the festival’s Closing Mainstage Performance, a rare honor that marked the first time the school has received the distinction.

Advancing Beyond State

Across the district, students earned superior ratings, ensemble awards, and individual recognitions, with several advancing to national competitions based on performance scores. In addition to performance awards, students also received leadership honors and scholarships, highlighting excellence both on stage and behind the scenes.

Judges’ Remarks

Festival judges cited strong vocal work, confident stage presence, collaborative skills, and technical precision as standout qualities among Plano ISD performers. These accolades underscore the rigorous training and support provided by Plano ISD’s theatre educators.

A Celebration Of Arts Education

The Texas Thespian State Festival serves as a key milestone for high school theatre programs, offering students the opportunity to perform at a competitive level while engaging with peers from across the state. For Plano ISD, the results underscore the district’s continued commitment to arts education and student expression.

As students prepare for the next phase of competition and performance, their success at the state level reflects a broader culture of creativity, discipline, and storytelling that continues to thrive in Plano classrooms and on Plano stages.

Looking Ahead

The achievements at the Texas Thespian State Festival are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Plano ISD students and educators. The district’s theatre programs continue to foster a supportive environment where students can explore their artistic potential and gain valuable life skills.

With several students advancing to national competition, the spotlight will remain on Plano ISD’s theatre talent in the coming months. The community is eagerly anticipating the next chapter of these young performers’ journeys.