Under the guidance of the indomitable Mrs. Joyce Mayhew, the Tampa Catholic Theater Department has blossomed into a powerhouse of creativity and talent, leaving an indelible mark on the theatrical landscape. With Mrs. Mayhew at the helm since 2022, the department has experienced exponential growth, captivating audiences and garnering acclaim with each captivating performance.
This past semester, the theater department captivated audiences with a delightful rendition of Shakespeare's classic comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," transporting theatergoers to a world of whimsy, romance, and mischievous fairies. And in the spring, they took on the beloved classic, "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," bringing to life the iconic characters and heartwarming charm of Charles M. Schulz's timeless creation.
The production of "Charlie Brown" garnered widespread acclaim, with three reviewers singling out standout performances that truly embodied the spirit of the characters. Julia Bisesi’s ‘25 portrayal of the spunky Lucy van Pelt and Sophia Wheeling’s ‘27 portrayal of the lovable Snoopy earned them well-deserved accolades as outstanding lead performers. Dr. Mark Majeski's exceptional musical direction added depth and resonance to the production, while Keyna Gascon’s ‘25 prowess as a dancer earned her recognition as an outstanding talent.
But perhaps the crowning achievement of the Tampa Catholic Theater Department's stellar year came at the International Thespian State Competition held right here in Tampa. From March 12th to 15th, high school students from across Florida converged on the stage to showcase their talents in a whirlwind of performances and workshops. Among thousands of thespians vying for recognition, our theater department emerged triumphant, earning a total of three excellence awards and three superior awards.
Alex Gould ‘25 and Julia Bisesi ‘25 earned top honors, achieving the highest scores in their respective categories for the entire competition. Their exemplary performances not only captivated audiences but also captured the hearts of judges, earning them coveted Judges' Choice Awards.
This triumph follows in the footsteps of last year's success, where the Tampa Catholic Theater Department wowed audiences with their performance of "Shipwrecked" and clinched victory at the district level. With accolades including Best Ensemble, Best Lead Performance, and Special Achievements, they went on to represent their school with pride at the state level, gracing the prestigious Straz Center stage with their talent and passion.
As the curtains close on another remarkable year for the Tampa Catholic Theater Department, one thing remains abundantly clear: under Mrs. Mayhew's guidance, the sky's the limit. With the upcoming inauguration of the Bellini Center for the Arts in March 2025, an era of unparalleled opportunity dawns for the arts at Tampa Catholic. This state-of-the-art facility promises to elevate our creative endeavors to unprecedented heights, providing a nurturing haven for future thespians to cultivate and refine their craft, ensuring that our legacy of excellence endures for generations to come.