SHS Drama Wins Global Accolades

The Sullivan High School drama program had the week of a lifetime at the International Thespian Conference held from June 23-28. Director Kimberly Wibbenmeyer took nine members to Indiana University in Bloomington, and teacher Terry Wood joined the ride.

The students attended workshops that trained them on the fundamentals of acting, production, writing and everything theatre-related. They also watched shows presented by the best-of-the-best high school programs in the world. 

Sullivan also racked up international accolades.

Ella Vandegriffe won a superior rating for her costume design piece, the highest out of four categories for the individual event competitions. The incoming senior has given it her all these past three years in theatre, working tirelessly behind the scenes and on stage to bring shows to life. 

She described receiving a superior as “incredibly awarding,” stating, “My competition piece was the costume design for ‘The Taming of the Shrew.’ I’ve been with that show since January of 2023, and there is no better feeling than to see over a year’s work paid off.”

When Vandegriffe was asked about her favorite moments from the conference, she said it was “expanding my knowledge on theater,” explaining, “This is what I plan on pursuing after I move on from high school. Being around professionals and also watching amazing productions has been an amazing learning experience for me.”

Sullivan’s other competitors received excellence for their presentations, the third highest rating possible. These included Natalie Medlock in stage management, Kennedy Medling in lighting design, and Lillian Schuler in scenic design. 

Faron Horlacher, Elijah Young, Elijah Pritchett, Logan Podner and Avery Merkel were rated excellent for their group acting piece.