Simmons’ Thespian Troupe wows crowd at 2013 Alabama Thespian Festival

Last month, the cast and staff involved in Simmons Middle School’s recent musical, Once on This Island, performed at the 2013 Alabama Thespian Festival, sponsored by the Alabama Educational Theatre Association and hosted by Samford University.

“This is quite an honor as they are one of the few Junior (middle school) Thespian Troupes ever to be asked to perform, and the only Junior Thespian Troupe ever allowed to perform a musical in its entirety on the ‘main stage,’” Simmons’ Principal Brian Cain said.

The event was a primer for the cast and crew’s upcoming performance opportunity next month at the National Junior Thespian Festival in Augusta, Ga. Once on This Island, by the Thespian Troupe of Simmons Middle School, is one of only three shows selected nationwide to perform at the National Junior Thespian Festival.

“We are so proud of our students, their hard work and the opportunity they have to shine on a national platform,” Cain said. “This is the first time a middle school from Hoover has received such an honor.”