The Vintage Theatre Company’s Non-Traditional Thespian Troupe Receives Honors at West Virginia Thespian Festival
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 09, 2026
The Vintage Theatre Company is proud to announce a historic showing by its Non-Traditional Thespian Troupe at the annual West Virginia Thespian Festival. Led by Troupe Director Derek Hess, the ensemble marked its festival debut with a series of high-level accolades, including multiple invitations to the International Thespian Festival.
The troupe, which provides a competitive home for homeschool students and those whose schools do not have a chartered thespian troupe, demonstrated the depth of talent within the regional arts community.
The troupe’s showing was highlighted by standout performances in the Battle of the Bard, where Apria Phillips, Bianca Hicks, Ireland Cagle, and Kyler Berry represented the company. Kyler Berry was recognized as one of five Outstanding Performers, while Bianca Hicks claimed the title of State Runner-Up.
In the technical and performance "Thespy" categories, the troupe earned top-tier ratings:
- Kyler Berry: received a Superior rating for his Technical Thespy Project in Mask Design & Construction.
- Bianca Hicks: achieved a clean sweep of Superior ratings and received three invitations to the International Thespian Festival for her projects in Scenic Design, Musical Theatre Performance, and Contrasting Monologues.
The Vintage Theatre Company remains dedicated to bridging the gap for students who lack access to traditional drama programs.
"We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to mentor these incredible students," said Troupe Director Derek Hess. "Our mission is to ensure that homeschool students and those in schools without chartered troupes can participate in everything the Educational Theatre Association has to offer. Seeing them succeed on a state level is a testament to their hard work and the importance of this program."
The troupe’s success was made possible through the dedicated guidance of Director Derek Hess and mentors Seret Cole, Siarah Conrad, and Jakob Spruce.
For more information about The Vintage Theatre Company and how to get involved with the non-traditional thespian troupe, please contact them at VintageTheatreCo@gmail.com.
