Local theater students have made a remarkable impact at the 2026 Junior Theater Festival held in Atlanta, Georgia, from January 16-18. This annual event, recognized as “the world’s biggest celebration of young people performing musical theater,” saw participants from across the globe, including 141 student groups representing 31 U.S. states and eight countries, such as Australia and England. The participation included three local troupes: North Whitfield Middle School’s Pioneer Players, Westside Middle School’s drama club, and the Artistic Civic Theatre’s ACT 2 children’s wing.
The festival, which began in 2003, is sponsored by notable organizations including iTheatrics, Music Theatre International, Disney Musicals, and Playbill. Attendees, numbering around 7,176, took part in various workshops focused on key aspects of theater, including dance, technical theater, and acting. Each group showcased their talent through 15-minute excerpts from Broadway Junior shows, which were evaluated by experienced musical theater experts.
North Whitfield’s musical theater teacher, Ashlyn Barnett, expressed enthusiasm for the experience, stating that students also enjoyed performances from Broadway professionals, culminating in a concert by former Junior Theater Festival student and Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers.
Local Achievements at the Festival
The Pioneer Players stood out, earning the Freddie G. Award for “Excellence in Music”. Their rendition of Alice in Wonderland Junior featured 38 students, with 34 participating as performers and four taking on roles in technical theater or as student directors. Barnett noted the diverse representation, including students from local elementary and high schools.
Two students received individual honors: eighth-grader Blakely Nix, who played Alice and was recognized as an “Outstanding Student Choreographer,” and Bo Owen and Zeydi Canales, awarded “All-Stars” for their performances as the White Rabbit and Lily, respectively. Additionally, Kyla Grooms and Kelsey King received callbacks for a summer program in New York City.
Barnett herself received the prestigious Freddie G. Fellowship, which includes an all-expense-paid trip to New York City and $5,000 for local theater initiatives. She emphasized the honor of joining a community dedicated to enhancing theater education.
Success from Westside and ACT 2
Westside Middle School’s drama club also achieved significant recognition, performing Shrek the Musical Junior and receiving the Freddie G. Award for “Best Ensemble”. The group, consisting of 25 participants, included students from both Westside and Northwest Whitfield High School. Participants Kobe Martinez and Knox Ogle were named “All-Stars” for their performances, while several students auditioned for a summer program with iTheatrics, providing them an opportunity to contribute to choreography videos for new Junior musicals.
Westside’s theater teacher, Jennifier Akers, highlighted the accomplishments of her students in workshops and competitions, including the “Tech Olympics,” where students showcased their technical skills. Participants excelled in various tasks, simulating the backstage challenges of a real production.
The Artistic Civic Theatre’s ACT 2 group, which featured 23 students, performed Seussical Junior and also received a Freddie G. Award for “Excellence in Ensemble.” Managing director Kate Southerland emphasized the value of ensemble work and the storytelling skills fostered through performances without elaborate sets or costumes.
The festival not only recognized the students’ talents but also provided opportunities for personal growth and networking. Barnett noted that the Junior Theater Festival offers a unique chance for young theater students to connect with industry professionals, fostering aspirations for future careers in the arts.
As the local theater groups prepare for upcoming performances, the Pioneer Players will present their version of Alice in Wonderland Junior on January 30, while Westside Middle School is set to perform the entirety of Shrek the Musical Junior from April 31 to May 2 at Northwest Whitfield High School. The achievements of these students underscore their dedication and passion for the performing arts, promising a bright future for theater in the community.
