J.P. Taravella High School Drama to Perform Musical at Florida Thespian State Festival

The school's production of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' has been selected as one of only 10 shows to be featured at the prestigious event.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The J.P. Taravella High School drama department has earned the honor of having their production of the musical comedy 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' selected to perform at the 2026 Florida Thespian State Festival in Tampa. This is the first time in 11 years and the fifth time in school history that a Taravella show has received this recognition. The drama program will present a special encore performance of the musical on March 12 before heading to the festival.

Why it matters

Performing at the Florida Thespian State Festival is a prestigious opportunity that allows students to showcase their talents on a statewide stage, collaborate with experienced theatre professionals, and represent their school and community. It is a rare educational experience that the Taravella drama students have worked hard to earn.

The details

The drama department's production of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' was selected as one of only 10 shows to be featured at the 2026 Florida Thespian State Festival in Tampa. The students have been fundraising to cover the estimated $29,000 in costs to remount and transport the production to the festival. The drama program will present a special encore performance of the musical comedy at Taravella High School on March 12 before heading to the festival.

  • The Florida Thespian State Festival will take place from March 18-21, 2026 in Tampa.
  • The Taravella High School drama department will present a special encore performance of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' on March 12, 2026.

The players

J.P. Taravella High School

A high school located in Coral Springs, Florida that has a renowned drama department.

Lori Sessions

The director of the J.P. Taravella High School drama department.

Alyvia Rigg

The student playing the role of Marcus Lycus and serving as the president of the drama club.

Sophia Greene

The student playing the role of Philia and serving as the dance captain.

Austin Blakely

The student playing the role of Pseudolus.

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What they’re saying

“These students worked hard on this production, and it paid off. I'm thrilled for them to experience this honor.”

— Lori Sessions, Director, J.P. Taravella High School Drama Department (Coral Springs Talk)

“It has been so heartwarming to see the positive impact putting on Forum has created, through hard work, communication, and love for what we do. Our club has created a bond like I haven't seen in my four years here.”

— Alyvia Rigg, Student, J.P. Taravella High School (Coral Springs Talk)

“Doing Forum was an amazing experience. I learned to communicate more with my peers, and I was able to help them with dances.”

— Sophia Greene, Student, J.P. Taravella High School (Coral Springs Talk)

“It felt like we had grown so much over the course of the show. I found myself wishing the process lasted a little longer, though, and I am happy to do it again at States.”

— Marco Medina, Student, J.P. Taravella High School (Coral Springs Talk)

What’s next

The J.P. Taravella High School drama department will present their production of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' at the 2026 Florida Thespian State Festival in Tampa from March 18-21.

The takeaway

The selection of the J.P. Taravella High School drama department's production of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' to perform at the prestigious Florida Thespian State Festival is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the students in the program. This opportunity will allow them to showcase their skills on a statewide stage and represent their school and community with pride.