PCHS Bulletin - Abigail Alderman
Date Published – December 12, 2025
This semester has been a standout season for the Bulls Theatre Company, beginning with its high-energy production of Legends in Concert. The show impressed audiences with its dynamic boy band performances, powerful group numbers, and memorable soloists, setting up the tone for an exciting theatre season.
Following that success, the company moved on to their fall play, The Curious Savage, starring Jovie Gaddis (Sr.). The production highlighted strong performances and heartfelt storytelling, earning praise from both audiences and staff.
The momentum continued as the company began preparing its next major production: Cinderella. The upcoming spring musical features Hailey Lipham (Sr.) in the title role and Da’rion Whipper (Sr.) as the Prince, generating excitement throughout the school community.
In addition to performances, members of the Bulls Theatre Company experienced several prestigious opportunities this semester. Stage Sharks launched in October, an after-school program where the Bulls’ Thespian Troupe teaches drama to Harvey Elementary School students. Thespians Lipham and Morgyn Martin (Jr.) run the program.
Lipham explained, “For the club, we meet with 40 elementary kids every Wednesday and are working to put together a little musical review for kids to perform in the auditorium.”
Additionally, advanced theatre classes attended a performance at the Asolo Repertory Theatre alongside students from other schools, expanding their exposure to professional theatre.
For Thespian Troupe 10185, they began their competitive slate by attending the Thespians Festival (District 9) on October 18 and performed 30 events, giving students the chance to learn, compete, and connect with peers from across the state. They walked away with 19 Superiors and 11 Excellent ratings.
Next, the troupe took their One Act “Brian’s Comet” to the One Act Festival on December 5. Director Olga Pena said they were adjudicated at the largest One Act Festival in the state, with 30 schools in attendance, and won a spot as a district representative for their outstanding performance.
In addition, “Brain’s Comet” took a superior rating and will advance to the state festival. Gaddis was one of four District Outstanding Supporting Performers, and Kiera Woelfel was the All Star Cast Winner.
To conclude the semester, the advanced theater classes are presenting a showcase on Friday, December 12 at 6:30pm in the PCHS auditorium. The showcase will feature the comedic One Act titled “The Audition” and the award winning “Brain’s Comet.” The showcase will also include several surprise musical numbers, promising an entertaining and memorable night for audiences.
Senior Da’rion Whipper is a member of the Bulls Theater Company. He reflected on his semester in the theater program and in the Thespian Troupe.
“Being part of Curious Savage was such a fun and meaningful experience, even though our group was in a rough situation before opening the show, it really brought us together and taught us how to rely on each other,” Whipper said. “When we saw the show Emma at the Asolo theatre it was hilarious and a great time with my friends. I don’t usually love romantic shows, but this one was hilarious and had a lot of genuinely funny moments, which made it even more enjoyable.”
“I’m really excited about the upcoming showcase, especially because the show we took to the Thespian Festival earned superior ratings, and I can’t wait to share that with my peers. I’m also looking forward to singing ‘A Heart Full of Love’ from Les Misérables and performing alongside my friends, because being on stage feels like where I’m meant to be, and I’m grateful I get to express my talents through performance.”
The Bulls Theatre Company hopes to create even more success in the second semester, with more festivals for the Thespian Troupe in line and the “Cinderella” spring musical set to open in late April 2026.