Talon Theatre students delivered an exceptional showing at this year’s California State Thespian Festival, held at Pomona College, earning top honors across both performance and technical theatre categories. Their achievements reflect the excellence, artistry, and professionalism of Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s theatre program.
Leading the way, junior Elizabeth Boyer '26 earned 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, which highlights some of the top technical theatre students in the state. Clark, along with Abigail Eagle '26 and Marielle Zambales '26, was further recognized as an Outstanding Technician for exceptional skill and leadership behind the scenes.
Talon Theatre students also made a powerful 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 California.
In addition, many students earned Superior ratings—the highest distinction—for their Thespy competition events:
- SOLO ACTING:
- Olivia Bullock '27
- Bella Dragonetti '28
- SOLO MUSICAL:
- Emory Ratzlaff '27
- Lilia Palda '27
- DUET MUSICAL:
- Joseph Calvo '28
- Ryan Nouri '26
- DUET ACTING:
- Jacquelyn Wingate '26
- 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 highlights the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded, collaborative, and innovative theatre artists.
Congratulations to all of our students for their outstanding accomplishments and for representing Talon Theatre with pride and excellence.