Hailey
Emporia High School is celebrating a huge achievement that has made the entire community proud. The Emporia High School Theatre Department has been selected to perform at a major national event after earning top recognition in Kansas.
For students who love acting, storytelling, and performing, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Their powerful play, A Piece of My Heart, will now be showcased on a national stage, putting Emporia in the spotlight.
Let’s take a closer look at what this means for the students, the school, and the entire community.
Emporia High Theatre Selected for International Thespian Festival
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) recently announced that only 12 productions from across the United States were chosen to perform at this year’s International Thespian Festival (ITF). Out of thousands of theatre groups, Emporia High School made the list.
That’s a big deal.
Among the selected productions are nine musicals and three plays. One of those plays is Emporia High’s “A Piece of My Heart.” This marks the first time in school history that Emporia High has been invited to perform at the ITF.
What Is the International Thespian Festival?
The International Thespian Festival is a national event that celebrates high school theatre talent. Students from across the country gather to perform, attend workshops, and learn from theatre professionals. Being selected to perform there is considered a top honor in high school theatre.
About the Play: A Piece of My Heart
Emporia High’s selected production, A Piece of My Heart, is a powerful play about six women who were sent to Vietnam during the war. The story focuses on their experiences, struggles, and emotional journeys as they tried to understand the impact of war.
The play highlights:
- The role of women in wartime
- The emotional cost of war
- The strength and courage of veterans
- The long-term effects of conflict
This meaningful story connects deeply with audiences, especially because Emporia is known as the founding city of Veterans Day. That connection makes the performance even more special.
From State Success to National Recognition
The journey began earlier this school year when the EHS Theatre Department produced the play and submitted it for evaluation by the Kansas Thespians, which is the state chapter of the Educational Theatre Association.
At first, the group hoped only to be selected to perform at the Kansas State Thespian Conference. But things turned out even better.
The production received the highest grade in the entire state from the Kansas Thespians. Because of this outstanding rating, the students earned a place at the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana.
Theatre Director Amanda Ballard shared her excitement, saying it is a proud moment for the school and community.
“Out of thousands of thespian troupes, Emporia was selected! This is huge!”
Event Details at a Glance
Here is a simple table to understand the key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Emporia High School |
| Production | A Piece of My Heart |
| Event | International Thespian Festival |
| Location | Bloomington, Indiana |
| Students Traveling | 27 students |
| Funds Needed | $30,000 |
| Benefit Performance | June 6 at 7 p.m. |
| Venue | Emporia High School |
Fundraising Efforts to Support the Trip
While this achievement is exciting, taking 27 students and a full theatre production to Indiana comes with a cost. The department needs to raise $30,000 to cover travel, accommodation, costumes, and other expenses.
The school is asking for community support to help make this dream possible.
How to Donate
Supporters can help in two ways:
- Send a check made out to Emporia High School Theatre
Address it to:
Amanda Ballard
Emporia High School
3302 W. 18th Ave.
Emporia, KS 66801 - Donate online through the school’s theatre website.
Everyone who contributes will receive recognition in the program during the benefit performance on June 6 at 7 p.m. at Emporia High. Donors will also be acknowledged on the shirts the students will proudly wear at the national festival.
Why This Achievement Matters
This opportunity is not just about performing a play. It is about:
- Representing Emporia on a national level
- Honoring veterans through storytelling
- Giving students real-world theatre experience
- Building confidence and teamwork
- Inspiring future performers
For many of these students, this could be the highlight of their high school journey. Performing at a national festival opens doors to networking, scholarships, and future theatre opportunities.
It also shows that small-town schools can achieve big dreams with hard work and dedication.
A Proud Moment for Emporia
Emporia has a strong connection to veterans and history. Presenting a play about veterans on a national stage makes this moment even more meaningful.
The students are not just representing their school—they are representing their city and its proud traditions.
Emporia High School Theatre’s selection for the International Thespian Festival is a historic and inspiring achievement. From earning the highest state grade to performing nationally, the students have shown dedication, talent, and passion.
Their powerful play, A Piece of My Heart, honors veterans while highlighting the strength of storytelling. Now, with the community’s support, they are ready to take this important message to the national stage.
This moment proves that when students believe in their dreams and work together, incredible opportunities can follow.