On March 22, Baldwin’s theatre program celebrated both student artistry and achievement with a Senior Theatre Project presentation followed by the induction of new members into the International Thespian Society.

 

Senior Lyla Mason ’26 presented her project, “21 Chump Street,” a 15-minute one-act musical with book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Based on a true story featured on This American Life and inspired by the television series 21 Jump Street, the piece tells the story of Justin Laboy, an honors student who becomes infatuated with a new classmate, Naomi. In an effort to impress her, he agrees to buy marijuana — only to discover she is an undercover police officer.

 

Following the performance, 12 students were inducted into the International Thespian Society, an honor society founded in the 1920s to recognize excellence and dedication in theatre. The organization now includes more than 2 million members worldwide, and Baldwin’s troupe, Troupe 1229, continues that tradition of excellence.

 

The newly inducted student thespians are Amelia Adamo ’29, Mara Ankenman ’27, Cameryn Deibler ’29, Sophie Freedman ’29, Gillian Gattuso ’29, Dyllan Leaf ’28, Ameila Nicklas ’29, Emma McLean ’29, Anna Marie Min ’29, Ming Nelson ’29, Amelia Regard ’29, and Genevieve Soven ’29. In addition, three honorary thespians — Music Teacher Lee Hagon, Theater Technical Director Chuck Baker, and Computer Science and Engineering Teacher Paul Hermans — were recognized for their support of Baldwin’s theatre program.

 

Induction into the International Thespian Society requires a minimum of 100 hours of work in theatrical endeavors, both in class and on stage. The troupe is led by Theater Teacher Ben Dibble, President Lyla Mason ’26, Vice President Cleo Hill ’27, and Secretary Tessa Gunn ’26, alongside members Sarah Wu ’27, Peyton Clisby ’27, Annapaola Fike ’26, Piper Skoglund ’26, Abbie Bessemer ’28, Sienna Yocom ’26, and Louisa Yin ’28.

 

The evening celebrated not only the accomplishments of individual students but also the strength and dedication of Baldwin’s theatre community.