Pahrump Valley High School’s Luigi DeAngelis has earned a rare and prestigious honor: an invitation to perform and train at the International Thespian Festival (ITF)—the premier (middle and) high school theater event in the world—taking place this June at Indiana University in Bloomington. Luigi, a junior and first-year competitor, was PVHS’s only student this year to receive a Superior rating at the Nevada regional competition, qualifying him for this elite experience. Now, he and his dedicated supporters are working hard to raise the funds necessary to get him there.
The journey to this moment started months ago when Luigi decided to compete in the Nevada State Thespian Festival through the International Thespian Society (ITS). Students across the state submit performance pieces in categories such as solo acting, duet scenes, musical theater, and more. Luigi chose to perform two contrasting monologues: a comedic turn as a geeky supervillain from Superhero Ultraferno by Don Zolidis, and a more serious role as a drama teacher breaking difficult news to students in There Is No Play by Arthur M. Jolly. These performances were recorded and submitted for judging, due to this year’s virtual format.
Judges scored performers in categories like characterization, movement, voice, execution, and transitions, rating each on a scale of 1 to 4. While the rubric technically capped scores at 20, Luigi received two scores of 23, and one 19, for an astounding average of 21.6 out of 20—breaking the scale and earning Superior.
Despite this incredible achievement, the moment of recognition wasn’t immediate. At the awards ceremony, names were announced alphabetically for students who had received Superior ratings. As the list moved through the Ds and then the Ls, Luigi sat quietly, unsure why his name hadn’t been called. “I thought, ‘Okay, I didn’t make it. At least I tried.’ I started to make peace with it,” he said.
What Luigi didn’t know was that the Nevada Thespians had introduced a newly created Rural category—one intended to level the playing field for students from smaller schools like PVHS, who don’t have the same resources or budgets as powerhouse programs like Bishop Gorman, Faith Lutheran, or Las Vegas Academy. Luigi and Dr. Duvall weren’t aware of this category when they submitted, and its winners were announced separately—after the standard categories.
During the ceremony, Dr. Duvall was visibly emotional, heartbroken that her student hadn’t been recognized. A fellow theater educator quietly pulled her aside, knowing how much Luigi’s success meant to her. “She whispered that Luigi had actually won—that his name would be called in the next category,” Dr. Duvall said. “I had to compose myself and hide the joy until the announcement came.”
Then, as the Rural category was introduced, Luigi’s name was finally called. The reaction from his peers was pure and spontaneous joy. “None of the students knew ahead of time,” said Dr. Duvall. “The way his friends exploded with excitement—cheering and clapping—it was just amazing. That kind of support and genuine happiness for one another is what our program is all about.”
Luigi’s invitation to ITF means he will now join thousands of top-performing students from around the country—and the world—for a week of performances, professional workshops, and advanced training. With more than 200 workshop sessions in nearly 30 categories—from acting and directing to stage combat and design—ITF is a one-of-a-kind experience for young theater artists.
“This is everything I’ve ever wanted,” Luigi said. “Not just to perform, but to learn. I want to grow from this and bring that knowledge back to my school. This isn’t just about me—it’s about what I can give back.”
Luigi’s journey with theater began in elementary school, when he first stepped on stage. But during middle school, he lost that passion for a time. It wasn’t until high school—watching his brother perform with the PVHS band during Charlie Brown—that the spark reignited. “I saw that show and thought, ‘I should’ve auditioned for that. I should have been Charlie Brown,’” Luigi recalled. “After that, I didn’t miss another opportunity.”
But now, this next opportunity comes with a significant hurdle: the cost. As a minor, Luigi must be accompanied by his Thespian troupe director, Dr. Duvall, or he will be disqualified. He also needs a family member to attend. With travel, lodging, registration, and meals, the estimated total comes to about $6,000. Unfortunately, the school is unable to fund the trip, and the registration deadline of May 7 is quickly approaching.
How You Can Help:
- Bring a check to PVHS: Make checks payable to Pahrump Valley High School with “Luigi DeAngelis – ITF trip” written in the memo line.
- Donate online: Donations online can be made using this link.
Local businesses or individuals who wish to support Luigi at a larger level are also encouraged to contribute:
- All donors will be recognized in next year’s PVHS theater program.
- Donations of $1,000 or more will receive a Sponsorship Night (limited to five) during the 2024–2025 theater season, with the evening dedicated to them, including a full-page ad in the program and public acknowledgment during the performance.
While Luigi is focused now on preparing for ITF, he’s already thinking about how he can continue to give back to the PVHS theater program. “Next year I want to explore directing, maybe do a musical duet,” he said. “I want to help other students feel the same excitement I’ve been able to feel.”
The community now has the chance to lift up one of its most passionate young artists. By helping Luigi get to Indiana this summer, Pahrump isn’t just sending a student to a festival—it’s investing in a leader, a performer, and a proud representative of rural talent on a national stage.
