The 2025 West Virginia Thespian Festival (WV ThesFest) is set to take place from March 27 to March 29 at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, WV. This annual event brings together high school theater programs from across the state to celebrate and showcase their talents.
This year’s festival embraces the theme of multicultural theater, inviting participants to explore and celebrate diverse theatrical traditions from around the world. This theme aims to broaden students’ perspectives and deepen their understanding of global storytelling techniques.
“I get to meet people I have a common interest with, who do the very same things as me; it’s great to meet people who are into theater because I get to learn a lot”, Brooklyn Johnston says.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including:
One-Act Performances: High school troupes will present one-act plays, providing a platform for students to showcase their acting and directing skills.
Workshops: A series of workshops conducted by theater professionals will offer insights into various aspects of theater production and performance.
Thespy Awards: The festival will honor outstanding achievements in both performance and technical theater through the prestigious Thespy Awards.
Networking Opportunities: Students will have the chance to connect with peers who share a passion for theater, fostering friendships and professional relationships that can last a lifetime.
The official logo for WV ThesFest 2025 was designed by Chloe Lesher of Parkersburg South High School, whose creative work will be prominently featured throughout the festival.
Transportation, lodging, and meals are the responsibility of each school’s troupe director or the teacher in charge. Participants are encouraged to coordinate these logistics well in advance to ensure a smooth experience during the festival.
To know more and stay updated, individuals can visit the official website of West Virginia Thespians or look at their social media platforms. WV ThesFest 2025 is going to be an amazing experience, honoring all aspects of theater and students.
“I’m really excited about ThesFest because theater is my passion and being able to go on this trip and take workshops that are going to help me improve and get better at what I love doing is going to be amazing”, Johnston says.
