Steamboat High School Thespians Headed to National Competition

Five students from Steamboat Springs High School's theater troupe earned superior ratings at the Colorado Thespian Convention, qualifying them to perform at the International Thespian Festival.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A group of Steamboat Springs High School students will take to an international stage this summer after earning top honors at the Colorado Thespian Convention in December. Five members of Steamboat Springs High School's theater troupe received superior ratings at the annual convention in Denver, which qualified them to attend and perform at the International Thespian Festival in Indianapolis in June.

Why it matters

The International Thespian Festival brings together high school theater students from across the country for performances and workshops, providing a valuable opportunity for the Steamboat Springs students to showcase their talents and learn from their peers.

The details

The Colorado Thespian Convention hosts thousands of students each year who compete in individual events including acting, musical theater and technical design. Performances and presentations are evaluated by professional adjudicators and scored as fair, good, excellent or superior. Only students earning an overall superior rating advance to nationals.

  • The Colorado Thespian Convention was held in December 2025 in Denver.
  • The International Thespian Festival will take place in June 2026 in Indianapolis.

The players

Emma Griffith

A junior at Steamboat Springs High School who earned a superior rating for her musical theater performance and acting work.

Sophie Hill

A junior at Steamboat Springs High School who will also represent the school at the national festival, drawing on her background in dance and singing.

Auden Snider

A junior at Steamboat Springs High School who earned a superior rating in technical set design, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work that supports theatrical productions.

Elliot Sibson

A sophomore at Steamboat Springs High School who earned a near-perfect score for a musical theater duet with freshman Taylor Jenkins.

Taylor Jenkins

A freshman at Steamboat Springs High School who earned superior ratings for both her individual performance and the duet with Elliot Sibson.

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What they’re saying

“Theater is my extracurricular activity, it fills my time and it allows me to put my energy and passion into something outside of school. It feeds my soul.”

— Emma Griffith, Junior

“I was shocked when I found out. After it sank in, I was absolutely ecstatic.”

— Sophie Hill, Junior

“Being a part of this program helped me understand what it takes to be on a team. It has built my leadership skills and confidence.”

— Auden Snider, Junior

“I didn't think it was that good at first. When I found out we made it, it basically made my year.”

— Elliot Sibson, Sophomore

“I just think it is fun. I love performing and musical theater gives me a chance to do that.”

— Taylor Jenkins, Freshman

What’s next

The students will attend the International Thespian Festival in Indianapolis in June 2026 to perform and participate in workshops.

The takeaway

The success of the Steamboat Springs High School theater troupe at the Colorado Thespian Convention highlights the importance of arts education and the transformative impact that theater can have on students' personal growth, creativity, and sense of community.