Carver Theatre students attended the International Thespian Festival (ITF) from June 21–26, and it was truly an incredible experience for everyone involved. Our students represented Carver Magnet High School and Aldine ISD with excellence, earning national recognition and bringing home outstanding results.

Festival Highlights – Pictures

  • Carver earned a record-breaking 6 Thespy Awards.
  • 8 students received Superior Ratings.
  • 6 students received Excellent Ratings.
  • Two students performed in the Solo Musical Theatre Showcase.
  • Two students performed in the Closing Mainstage Showcase.
  • One student received the prestigious Grace Kelly Scholarship.
  • Two students were selected to participate in the nationally recognized 24 Hour Plays Showcase.

With approximately 4,500 students attending ITF from across the United States and abroad, earning a Thespy Award is an exceptional achievement. Thespy Winners are students who either earn a perfect score from adjudicators or receive the highest overall score within their event category at the International Thespian Festival.

Carver’s Solo Musical Theatre Thespy Winners, Ka’Sean Francis and David Gipson, were selected to perform their pieces in the Solo Musical Theatre Showcase at ITF.

Allen Hampton and Johnny Kelley, Two-Person Scene Thespy Winners, were invited to perform in the Closing Mainstage Showcase, a celebration featuring only a select group of Thespy Winners chosen to present their work before the festival’s final audience.

Additional honors included Ka’Sean Francis receiving the Grace Kelly Scholarship, one of the highest scholarships presented at ITF. Allen Hampton (actor) and Niya Kelly (stage manager) were selected to participate in the 24 Hour Plays Showcase, an exciting opportunity where student writers, directors, stage managers, and actors collaborate to create, rehearse, and perform an original play within 24 hours.

Since the Thespy Awards were established in 2020, 13 Carver students have earned Thespy Awards, with four students receiving the honor in consecutive years. Additionally, between 2021–2026, four Carver students have been awarded the prestigious Grace Kelly Scholarship, further highlighting the excellence and impact of the Carver Theatre program on the national stage.

Carver Thespy Winners

* Indicates MainStage Performers Closing Ceremonies 

**Indicates Solo Musical Showcase Performers

*** Indicates MainStage Callbacks ^Received Thespy and/or Superior Ratings in 2 Events

  • Solo Musical Theatre: Ka’Sean Francis**
  • Solo Musical Theatre: David Gipson**
  • Two-Person Scene: Allen Hampton* & Johnny Kelley*^
  • Two-Person Scene: Amare Haywood & Niya Kelly^

Carver Superior Ratings

  • Ensemble Acting: Jeremiah Barber, Kaylee King, Dakarai Smith, Na’Leeyah Tatum & Rheagan Thompson
  • Solo Musical Theatre: Johnny Kelley^
  • Solo Musical Theatre Dance: Kenneth Jordan***
  • Stage Management: Niya Kelly^

Carver Excellent Ratings

  • Costume Design: Ashlyn Jack
  • Duet Musical Theatre: Trinity Jones & Cedric Miller
  • Lighting Design: London Myles
  • Playwriting: Trinity Jones
  • Prop Construction: Gia Thomas
  • Solo Musical Theatre: Sannia Bell
  • Solo Musical Theatre: Hailey Gonzales

These accomplishments reflect the extraordinary talent, dedication, and commitment of our students, directors, families, and supporters. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented us on the international stage.