Laguna Beach High theater students stand out on big stage

Laguna Beach High made its mark in a statewide competition for theater students last month, taking home honors in performance and backstage categories at the California State Thespian Festival.

The festival, which took place from March 14-16 at Pomona College and the campus’ Bridges Auditorium, brought together more than 1,000 students to compete in adjudicated categories that included acting, dance, musical theater and technical design.

Students could also participate in workshops led by industry professionals and audition for scholarships.

Lyra Ramazan (technical costume construction) and Sam O’Neill (contrasting monologues) each finished as the runner-up in their respective categories. Taylor Peterson and Lila Tacklind took third place in the competitive contest for duet scenes.

“Our students dedicated considerable time in between the run of our musical to perfect their competition pieces for state this year,” Meghan Minguez-Marshall, Laguna Beach High’s theater director, stated in a news release.

Duets performed by Luke Donaldson and Peterson (musical theater), as well as Amelie Ford and Arianna Cunningham, gained the favor of the judges to be featured as mainstage showcases.

“We are incredibly proud of our Laguna Beach High School theater students for representing our school and district with such talent, dedication and professionalism at the state level,” Laguna Beach High Principal Jason Allemann stated. “To earn multiple top-three finishes and mainstage recognitions at an event of this caliber speaks not only to their artistic excellence but also to their commitment, collaboration and willingness to take creative risks.

“This achievement reflects the strength of our performing arts program and the guidance of our outstanding staff. Most importantly, it highlights what is possible when students are supported in pursuing their passions and given opportunities to shine beyond the classroom.”

Laguna Beach High is preparing to host the district’s annual Celebration of the Arts on Tuesday, April 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.

It will showcase students at the elementary, middle and high school levels in the visual and performing arts. Live performances will include band, choir, dance, orchestra and theater.

The event is open to the public, with featured performances to take place in the Artists Theatre and the main quad throughout the evening.