On June 11, students from the St. Francis High School (SFHS) Theatre Department performed at the 2024 Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Showcase, Minnesota high school theater’s biggest celebration. SFHS was invited to perform a medley from their show after receiving numerous awards for their spring production of Into the Woods.
Additionally, the SFHS Theatre Department was awarded the Community Involvement Award for their sensory friendly/relaxed performances that allow all people to experience live theater.
Students rewarded with performance: On June 10-11, more than 1,600 students from around the state participated in the annual awards and recognition event, presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Education program. SFHS students performed as a group, while individuals had the opportunity to display their talents in an honored performers production number, featured dancers number, and in the opening and closing numbers. Other students were able to learn from the stage manager or assist on running sound and lighting. A full list of awards received by SFHS students is below.
About Spotlight: After a year of participating in Spotlight-evaluated plays and musicals, students from across Minnesota took the stage at the historic State Theatre. Spotlight Showcase proudly employs professional staff from both the Twin Cities and Broadway to collaborate with students across all areas of theater.
Sound off: About the SFHS Into the Woods production, evaluators commented on the overall performance by saying:
“The Company performed at a high level, presenting a beautiful and compelling performance of a complex and nuanced musical.”
“Wonderful collaboration of cast and crew to perform a smooth show which kept the audience engaged throughout!”
Triple Threat winner: Moyo Deen and Destiny Kromah performed at the event after being selected as Triple Threat finalists by the Spotlight Education program. Following an intensive coaching, rehearsal and performance process with 23 other Triple Threat students, Kromah was selected as one of four winners of the Triple Threat New York Experience, an all-expenses paid trip to New York City, where young artists attend Broadway shows, meet with industry professionals and participate in workshops.
For their production of Into the Woods, the SFHS Theatre Department received:
Achievement in Musical Theatre - Outstanding
Overall Technical Production - Outstanding
Overall Performance - Outstanding
Costume Crew - Outstanding
Run Crew - Outstanding
Overall Technical Team - Outstanding
Sound Crew - Outstanding
Light Crew - Outstanding
Ensemble Performance - Honorable Mention
Ensemble Acting Performance - Honorable Mention
Ensemble Vocal Performance - Honorable Mention
Ensemble Dance Performance - Honorable Mention
Individual honors:
Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role
Destiny Kromah as Witch
Jacob Dethmers as Baker
Jack Stordahl as Jack
Honorable Mention in a Leading Role
Ella Donner as Cinderella
Moyo Deen as Baker’s Wife
Ameliya Yang as Little Red
Honorable Mention in a Supporting Role
Emilia Buttacavoli as Jack’s Mother
Riley Brennhofer as Cinderella’s Prince
Outstanding in Technical Leadership
Rachel Kopet as Stage Manager
Ellyse Harmon as Stage Manager
Tabitha Betterman as Sound Designer
Broc Vierzba as Lighting Designer
Julian Kelcher as Stage Manager
Lucia Dorumsgaard as Costume Designer
Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership
Hailey Gillies as Stage Manager
Ivory Sik as Costumer
Evaluator Shout-Out
Elek Torok
