St. Francis High School seniors Moyo Deen and Destiny Kromah were selected as Triple Threat finalists by the Spotlight Education program through Hennepin Theatre Trust. It is the second year in a row two members of SFHS Theatre have been selected, as Kromah was also named a Triple Threat a year ago.
“This is not only exciting for Destiny and Moyo, this is exciting for our whole theatre program,” said Glenn Morehouse Olson, SFHS Drama Director. “The fact that SFHS Theatre had two triple threats last year (with Joe Jacobson winning the Jimmy Awards slot to compete on Broadway) and now we have Moyo and Destiny representing this year means so much to us. It is a symbol of the opportunities we give students to succeed in the greater world of musical theatre and how hard they worked to get there.”
The pair earned a spot following an extensive audition process where they submitted singing, dancing and acting performances before being selected for a live audition. To be named a Triple Threat, students must demonstrate exceptional skills in singing, acting, dancing and leadership.
“Spotlight has a certain prestige to it and it feels like an honor to learn from professionals and other students that are really talented,” Deen said.
“When I opened the email, I couldn't believe it,” Kromah said. “To know that the work you put in for so long paid off is really a pat on the back.”
The seniors are two of just 24 Triple Threat Award students across the state who will participate in an intensive coaching, rehearsal and performance process for the Spotlight Showcase, which is an event that celebrates the best of Minnesota high school theater. More than 1,600 students will participate in the awards and recognition event at the historic State Theatre on June 10 and June 11. Both Deen and Kromah, as well as members of the SFHS Theatre program, will be performing on June 11.
“I felt like I was really timid last year, so this year I want to branch out and show people my actual personality,” Kromah said. “I want to make myself proud.”
In the fall, Deen will be attending the University of Minnesota Duluth where she has already auditioned and been accepted for the Theatre B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program.
“[Being in theater] has taught me that you have to take the chances you get and use the opportunities you are given,” Deen said. “I’m so proud I did it. Theater has taught me to just jump in.”
Kromah will be attending her “dream school” in the fall, as she has accepted a full-ride scholarship to Macalester College where she will study theater and dance.
“Performing has taught me that I’m my own worst critic,” Kromah said. “I’ve learned that you really have to take a second to step outside yourself to judge what you can and cannot do. You only go as far as you let yourself.”
The 24 Triple Threat students have the option to be considered for the Triple Threat New York Experience or to become a Minnesota nominee for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards™ (The Jimmy Awards®).
Hennepin Theatre Trust sends trained theater professionals and educators to watch and assess participating schools’ theater productions. These critiques provide detailed educational feedback for the students and directors in categories ranging from overall production to individual performances. The assessment process is an educational tool intended to encourage, inspire and enhance Spotlight schools’ theater programs and strengthen the skills of student artists—onstage and offstage.