Afton Nielson, a Montezuma-Cortez Middle School eighth grader, has been selected to perform at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University Bloomington following her individual superior-rated performance at Thescon in December.
For her superior-rated performance, Nielson performed “I’m the Greatest Star” from “Funny Girl.” A rubric was used by judges to determine Nielson’s score, and she received all superior scores in each portion of the rubric. She will attend the festival with her mother, Annette Nielson.
Middle school theater teacher Angela Gabardi told The Journal that the International Thespian Festival brings together theater students and teaches from all over the country for workshops, showcases and theater productions. The event is the next level up from Thescon, and students who perform exceptionally at Thescon receive an invitation. This year, six CMS students competed at Thescon.
“I am most excited about just being able to be surrounded by other theater kids who really care about theater, and I am excited to have fun,” Nielson said.
At CMS, Nielson is a Golden Star Thespian, meaning she has participated in all six middle school productions during her time at the school. She most recently played Young Anna and Olaf in the school’s production of “Frozen Jr.” She is also a cheerleader and participates in band and choir.
“Afton’s middle school career is one of the best. She has been a cheerleader, a band kid, a choir rock star and one of the best actors,” Gabardi said. “She is an All-Star and I am so excited that she gets this opportunity to shine and have fun with other theater kids.”
The district has expressed its excitement in Nielson’s achievement as well.
“The support for this trip has been amazing. Everyone has been so excited for Afton. From our own principals at the middle school, to the district office and all of Afton's peers – it just shows how loved these kids are,” Gabardi shared. “As Afton's teacher, I am so proud of her. I am so grateful that such a humble, kind, goofy, loveable kid is going off into the big leagues to represent our program, our school, but most importantly, her love of theater.”
Previous Montezuma-Cortez students have represented the school at the festival, including participants in scene performances, musical solos, film and set design.
Three students went in 2023. Brian Sandner and Nielson Hurst were invited for their scene performance from the “Odd Couple,” and Becca Story for her musical solo, “Someone You'd be Proud Of.” Last summer, Sandner (film) and Cruz Hernandez (set design) attended to represent MCHS.
For students from rural communities like Cortez, the festival offers a significant opportunity to engage with theater at an international level, Gabardi said.
“This is a huge honor. For one, Afton earned this. She worked hard, showcased her talent and gave our state competition a great performance,” Gabardi said. “Indiana University Bloomington is going to be filled with thespians of all ages showcasing their love of theater, and for a kid from Cortez, Colorado, that type of experience is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Afton is going to meet kids from all over, she is going to work with theater professionals with all sorts of epic backgrounds and careers and she is going to see a variety of productions that showcase all the levels, emotions, skills and beautiful stories that theater has to offer.”
bduran@the-journal.com
