Northwestern State University will host the 2017 Louisiana Thespian Festival Jan. 27-28 in the A.A. Fredericks Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Junior high and high school students from throughout Louisiana will participate in classes, workshops and performances, audition for college scholarships and network with students and directors from across the state

Northwestern State Theatre and Dance faculty, staff and students will be involved in the festival, conducting workshops and auditions and overseeing logistics for the event.

Kerry A. Onxley is the festival chair and Shelly Appleby is chapter director.

“This is the largest recruiting event for NSU Theatre and Dance,” said Scott Burrell, coordinator of Theatre and Dance at Northwestern State.  “Students from across the state who have interests in theatre and dance come to our campus to present plays, take workshops and audition for scholarships. Northwestern State Theatre and Dance has hosted the event since the late 90’s and uses the opportunity to introduce these talented to students to all our program and the university have to offer.”

The festival is presented by the Louisiana Thespians Society, an active member of the Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society. The Louisiana Thespian Society exists as a non-profit theatre service organization for junior high and high school theatre programs. Membership includes junior and high school students, theatre teachers and art advocates.