Young performers from across the district will advance to the national competition
Plano ISD theatre students delivered standout performances at the 2025 Texas Thespian State Festival, earning state-level recognition, multiple awards and national qualifications across acting, musical theatre, technical theatre and group performance categories.
Students from all three Plano ISD clusters participated in the annual festival, which brings together thousands of student performers from across Texas for several days of competitive events, workshops and showcases. The results reflect not only individual talent, but the strength of Plano ISD’s theatre programs and the dedication of educators supporting students on and off the stage
Strong Performances Across All Clusters
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.
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.
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.
Festival judges cited strong vocal work, confident stage presence, collaborative skills and technical precision as standout qualities among Plano ISD performers.
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.
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