A Main Stage Production at ITF 2025
The International Thespian Festival (ITF) Main Stage celebrates theatre programs from around the country as they showcase their hard work and dedication. It’s also an opportunity to make theatre training accessible and equitable. This year, by special invitation from the Educational Theatre Foundation, Thespian Troupe 8104 from Rock Ridge Performing Arts will become part of that that tradition with their performance of The Prince of Egypt.
Set against the wonders of Ancient Egypt, The Prince of Egypt follows Ramses and Moses as they’re faced with their destinies. One must ascend the throne as Pharaoh, while the other must embrace his calling to free his people. This production features 10 new songs by GRAMMY®- and Oscar®-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, alongside beloved favorites from the acclaimed DreamWorks Animation film, that take audiences on a timeless journey that forever changes the course of history.
EdTA chatted with troupe director Anthony Cimino-Johnson to get a peek behind the curtain.
This show is appearing by special invitation from the Educational Theatre Foundation as recipient of the 2024 Craig Zadan Pathway Grant. How important are these opportunities?
Receiving the Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant is an incredible honor, not just because it allows our students to perform on a national stage, but because it affirms the power of theatre education in transforming lives. Craig Zadan was a visionary who believed in storytelling that broke barriers and brought people together, and this grant carries that spirit forward by ensuring all students—regardless of background—have access to high-quality theatre opportunities.
For our students, this grant isn’t just about a performance; it’s about the message that their work, voices, and dedication matter. It allows them to stand among the best in the nation, knowing they have earned this moment through resilience and passion. More importantly, grants like this create pathways for schools to continue growing their theatre programs, offering opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access to these experiences.
Theatre isn’t just an extracurricular—it’s a life-changing force, and funding opportunities like this ensure that more young artists get to feel its impact.
Your school will now be a three-time resident on the ITF Main Stage. What has it meant for your program to be recognized on one of the biggest stages in high school theatre?
It’s humbling, it’s exhilarating, and it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Every production we create is about more than just the performance—it’s about the process, the growth, and the community we build along the way. Being recognized on the ITF Main Stage for a third time is a testament to the heart, dedication, and artistry of every student, educator, and supporter who has helped shape our program over the years.
But beyond recognition, what means the most is knowing our students are part of something bigger. They’re stepping onto a stage where thousands of their peers from across the country will witness their work, be inspired by it, and take something away that stays with them long after the final bow. That’s what theatre is about—sharing stories that move people, spark conversations, and create lasting change.
How has your vision of the show changed now knowing you'll perform on the Main Stage?
The heart of our vision never changed—our goal has always been to tell this story as truthfully and powerfully as possible. However, knowing the show would be considered for ITF pushed us to refine every detail, not just for adjudication but for the students themselves.
We approached casting with an eye toward authenticity and growth, ensuring every student had the opportunity to challenge themselves in ways they hadn’t before. Our design choices were driven by storytelling—we wanted to create a world that felt immersive yet transportable, knowing we might need to adapt for a national stage. And throughout the process, we emphasized professionalism, accountability, and the mindset of working in a high-level theatrical environment.
More than anything, preparing for this possibility taught our students to believe in their own artistry. They weren’t just performing to impress adjudicators; they were performing to tell a story that mattered. That mindset shaped everything, and it made the moment of being invited to ITF much more meaningful.
Can you share one behind-the-scenes secret or fun fact about your rehearsal process, set design, or costumes that people wouldn’t otherwise know?
When we received the invitation to ITF, we knew we needed to re-approach the show and make it even grander. The students took this as an opportunity to elevate every aspect of the production, particularly the set. They spent countless hours reimagining the design, focusing on historical authenticity and storytelling through visual elements.
One of the most unique aspects of our set is the use of authentic hieroglyphs, carefully researched and incorporated to add deeper meaning to the world we were creating on stage. These symbols aren’t just decorative—they help tell the story in a way that honors the culture and time period of the piece.
Looking back from auditions to now, how have your students grown not just as performers, but as individuals and young adults?
Theatre has a way of shaping people beyond the stage. When I look at my students now, I see young artists who have not only developed their craft, but have also grown in confidence, resilience, and empathy.
At auditions, many of them were focused on proving themselves—showing they had what it took to excell in a role. Now, they walk into rehearsals not just as performers but as collaborators, mentors, and leaders. They’ve learned to trust their instincts, take risks, and support one another in ways that extend far beyond theatre.
One of the most rewarding things as a teacher is watching students realize their own strength—not just in performance but in life. The growth they’ve experienced through this process will stay with them long after the curtain falls.
Beyond the usual fundraising and organizational tips, what’s one piece of creative or artistic advice you’d give to groups hoping to reach the ITF Main Stage next year?
Create a production that moves you before you ever think about how it will impact an audience. The strongest shows don’t come from chasing recognition—they come from an unshakable commitment to telling a story that means something to your cast, crew, and community.
If you want to reach the ITF Main Stage, focus on honesty in your storytelling. Ask yourself: Why this show? Why now? Why us? Make every choice—your staging, your designs, your casting—with intention. Encourage students to bring their own perspectives into the process and allow their voices to shape the production.
And most importantly, never lose sight of the “why.” The best theatre isn’t about the scale of the production—it’s about the heart behind it. If you create something that truly resonates with your students, the impact will be undeniable.
What do you hope the audience takes away from your show, and why is this important to you?
I hope the audience walks away with a deep sense of connection—not just to the characters on stage, but to each other. At its core, this show is about finding family—about discovering where we belong, even in the most unexpected places.
We live in a time where division can feel overwhelming, where it’s easy to feel lost or unseen. Theatre has the power to remind us of our shared humanity. If our production can spark a conversation, inspire someone to reach out, or make even one person feel seen in a way they hadn’t before, then we’ve done our job.
This show is bigger than us. It’s about the stories that stay with you, challenge you, and remind you of who you are. And if the audience leaves with that feeling, then every moment we’ve spent on this journey has been worth it.
