Students from the Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) theatre department spent several days immersed in performance, leadership and celebration of the arts while attending the Nevada State Thespian Conference, held Wednesday, March 4 through Saturday, March 7 in Boulder City. The annual event brings together theatre students from across the state to participate in workshops, performances, leadership activities and scholarship opportunities, giving young performers a chance to develop their craft while connecting with peers who share their passion for the stage.
Among those representing PVHS were two students serving in major leadership roles within the state organization. Chase Moore and Kaitlyn Gaither were selected to serve on the Nevada State Thespian Officer (STO) board during the conference, joining a group of elected student leaders who represent theatre students across Nevada.
State Thespian Officers play a key role in planning and executing the annual State Thespian Festival. Their responsibilities include helping organize major conference events such as opening and closing ceremonies, coordinating workshops, assisting with logistics, and helping facilitate communication between students and the adult advisory board. STOs also manage aspects of social media outreach and act as liaisons between the state organization and local theatre troupes.
Beyond the logistical responsibilities, STOs serve as ambassadors for theatre education, advocating for the arts while modeling leadership for younger performers. Their service typically spans approximately 14 months and includes planning meetings and preparation throughout the year leading up to the conference.
In addition to leadership contributions, PVHS students also earned recognition for their artistic achievements during the event. Kylee Siegmund received the prestigious Director’s Choice Award, a distinction that highlights a performer who made a strong impression through talent, dedication and performance quality.
Several PVHS students also took to the stage to showcase musical theatre performances. Addie Allen and Zachary LeBlanc performed the well-known duet “Suddenly Seymour,” demonstrating their vocal and acting abilities in front of judges and fellow theatre students from across the state.
Their efforts were rewarded in a meaningful way, as both Allen and LeBlanc were awarded $500 scholarships toward the International Thespian Festival (ITF), one of the largest gatherings of student theatre performers in the country.
Additional PVHS performers also represented the school during the conference’s showcase events. Luigi DeAngelis and Kylee Siegmund performed the piece “Know Your Role,” further highlighting the strength and versatility of the PVHS theatre program.
Throughout the multi-day conference, students participated in a variety of workshops and learning experiences designed to strengthen skills in acting, stagecraft, design, and other aspects of theatre production. The event also provided opportunities for students to collaborate, exchange ideas and build connections with theatre programs from across Nevada.
The strong representation by Pahrump Valley High School students — both on stage and in leadership roles — reflects the continued growth and success of the school’s theatre program. From organizing conference activities as State Thespian Officers to earning awards and scholarships through performance, PVHS students demonstrated both talent and dedication while representing their school and community at the state level.
*Photos provided by Dr. Duvall.
