From Thursday, December 14 through Sunday, December 17, the International Thespian Society chapter – Troupe 8055 – attended the statewide performing arts conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

Superior ratings were awarded to the entirety of the troupe that competed: Debra Moraitis, Arin Champati, Corinne Peterson, Connor Renusch, Ava Meyer, Annaliese Wilbur, Grace Jaksen, and Leah Louis-Ferdinand.

Seniors, Mia Morelli, Ethan Denk, and Max Otremba competed for college scholarship money, cumulatively winning over $500,000 to a variety of acting programs.

“It was truly an incredible opportunity. Being able to perform for a room of colleges definitely had me nervous. But the entire weekend had prepared for how to perform in that room. Whether I go to their school or not, the fact that they show interest in me enough to give me thousands of dollars in scholarships is amazing in itself.” said Otremba.

Arin Champati was the senior chosen to represent Troupe 8055 at the grand showcase for an audience of over 2,000. Only 14 other students were selected to perform. He sang the ballad “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from his part as “Marius” in the Broken Leg Theatre Company’s production of Les Miserables in 2016, receiving the only standing ovation of the night.

“The performance was truly an introspective experience. In those three minutes, I learned so much more about myself and was vulnerable to those who watched. The beauty of the arts is that while exploring yourself, you are able to allow viewers to do the same.” said Champati.

The conference not only offered opportunities for students to showcase their talents, but there were hands-on workshops taught by professionals from around the country, as well as a plethora of performances to watch.