Marist Fine Arts Program Takes Center Stage This Winter

Marist thespians will travel to Columbus, Georgia next week for the annual Georgia State Thespian Conference. “ThesCon” is a three-day celebration of all aspects of theater arts, featuring workshops, auditions, and performances by high schools around Georgia.  Over 5,000 students and their directors will take part in this extraordinary event.

 

Among the many highlights of ThesCon is the Thespys, an adjudicated event that serves as a platform for students to showcase their talent and receive constructive feedback. Divided into categories such as acting, musical theater performance, design, and tech, participants submit their work for initial evaluation through video submissions, with ratings ranging from Fair to Good, Excellent, and Superior. Those fortunate enough to secure a Superior rating earn the privilege of presenting their pieces in a second round of live auditions at ThesCon.

 

Marist theater students submitted three pieces for review. Flannery Hipp ’26 and Jane Bennett ’26 earned an "Excellent" rating for their compelling vocal performance of "Sonya and Natasha" from “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812”. Senior Marshall Cain delivered a stellar solo in his musical theater performance of "Melisande" from “110 in the Shade”, earning an equally impressive "Excellent" rating.

 

Senior Ana Sophia Riordan’s performances garnered her an "Overall Superior" rating for her poignant monologues from “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin and “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare. Ana Sophia's exceptional achievement earned her the opportunity to present her pieces in person at ThesCon, where she also will be considered for selection to perform at the prestigious end-of-conference showcase.

 

Fine Arts Department Chair and Theater Director Mr. Eric McNaughton ’90 shared, “We are very proud of the fine work done by these Marist thespians.”

 

Additionally, congratulations can be extended to five talented students who have been selected to represent Marist in the Georgia Music Educators Association’s (GMEA) prestigious All-State Chorus in Athens from February 15-17. Brennan Ujda ’24, a fifth-year participant out of five possible years, has continued to demonstrate exceptional musical talent by earning this distinction in his senior year. Flannery Hipp ’26, in her third year, once more showcases her dedication to musical excellence. Lena McMorrow ’27, participating for the second year, has once again earned her place among the state's top singers. Lainey O'Toole ’28 and Grant Crunk ’28, both in their first year of participation, have made a remarkable debut in the program.

 

These students will have the unique opportunity to enhance their musical skills under the guidance of esteemed guest conductors, ultimately presenting their talents in a series of public performances at The Classic Center in Athens. Best wishes to all the participants for a memorable and successful experience at the GMEA Georgia All-State Chorus event.

 

Stay tuned for more outstanding performances in February by Marist Fine Art students. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events in February:

 

Sacred Choral Concert -- February 12 at Holy Cross Catholic Church

Winter Band Concert -- February 20 at Marist School's Woodruff Auditorium

End-of-Term Art Show -- February 22-23 at Marist School's Bishop Gunn Art Gallery