Talon Theatre students delivered an exceptional showing at this year’s California State Thespian Festival, held at Pomona College, earning top honors across performance and technical theatre categories and representing Santa Margarita Catholic High School with excellence, artistry and professionalism.
Leading the achievements, Elizabeth Boyer '26 was awarded 2nd Place in Scenic Design for her work on The Outsiders. Boyer was also selected, alongside Talon Clark '26, to participate in the prestigious Tech Thespy Showcase, highlighting some of the top technical theatre students in the state. Clark, along with Abigail Eagle '26 and Marielle Zambales '26, was additionally recognized as an Outstanding Technician, a distinction awarded to students demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership in technical theatre.
Talon Theatre students also made a strong impression in performance. Olivia Bullock '27, Emory Ratzlaff '27, Leksi Akerlind '27, Lilia Palda '27, Erin Meihaus '26 and Jillian Mooney '26 were selected to perform their group number, “Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise),” in the highly selective Festival Finale Showcase, a culminating performance featuring standout acts from across the state. In addition to these honors, numerous Talon Theatre students earned Superior ratings - the highest distinction - for their individual and group Thespy competition events:
• Solo Acting: Olivia Bullock '27, Bella Dragonetti '28
• Solo Musical: Emory Ratzlaff '27, Lilia Palda '27
• Duet Musical: Joseph Calvo '28 and Ryan Nouri '26
• Duet Acting: Jacquelyn Wingate '26 and Jillian Mooney '26
• Ensemble Musical: Olivia Bullock '27, Emory Ratzlaff '27, Leksi Akerlind '27, Lilia Palda '27, Erin Meihaus '26, Jillian Mooney '26
• Scenic Design: Elizabeth Boyer '26, Jacqueline Reinhart-Morin '27
• Sound Design: Talon Clark '26
• Stage Management: Abigail Eagle '26
The California State Thespian Festival brings together thousands of students from across the state to compete, perform and grow as artists. Talon Theatre’s strong presence across both performance and technical disciplines reflects the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded, collaborative, and innovative theatre artists. Congratulations to all our students on their outstanding accomplishments and on representing Talon Theatre with such pride and excellence.