The stage lights are shining brightly on Xavier College Preparatory, as its theatre program has been selected for the prestigious Arizona High School Musical Theatre Awards at ASU Gammage.
Each year, only 25 schools from across the state are chosen for consideration in regards to this award. It is based on the quality of their productions, creativity and program strength – a distinction that highlights excellence in every aspect of high school theatre.
For Xavier, this is its second consecutive year being chosen, which is a sign of steady growth and artistic excellence. This participation continues to solidify its growing presence in Arizona’s theatre community.
The selection process for the award starts long before rehearsals even begin. Schools submit a detailed application about their theatre programs, including history, mission and show selection. “The application is pretty extensive,” said Sarah White, Xavier’s theatre teacher. “It’s been a very odd experience for us because Xavier has to apply with Brophy being adjudicated as one.”
For Xavier students, the nomination reflects how the arts empower them to grow. They continue to push their abilities as they prepare for performing on their stage and on the ASU Gammage stage. “It’s about finding something about us that stands out the most out of other schools, to be able to perform as creatively as possible to succeed in the awards,” White said.
This nomination also gives students a chance to perform on one of Arizona’s most iconic stages. ASU Gammage stage is a space where the hard work and dedication of performers are recognized. This offers them the thrill of performing in a professional, historic venue that has hosted Broadway productions, legendary artists and countless memorable performances. This opportunity can open many other doors for Xavier students in their theatre careers.
Rania Edres, Xavier alumna of ‘25 who performed in “Hadestown: Teen Edition,” reflected on how the program embodies Xavier’s values. “The nomination aligns with our school’s mission because it shows how we come together to create something meaningful,” Edres said. “It encourages us to grow not just as students, but as artists and leaders.”
For the students, performing arts go far beyond the stage. Phoebe Kleinlein ‘26, a current Xavier theatre student, emphasizes that performing teaches confidence, teamwork and empathy as life skills. She mentioned that when performing, a person learns about how to use self-expression to connect with others. These skills are instilled in the theatre program at Xavier, making this nomination an even greater accomplishment.
This year, the Xavier theatre community is preparing to take audiences “into the woods” – with Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” “It’s one of my favorite musicals,” White said. “It’s known to be quite difficult, but after “Hadestown,” I knew our cast could take it on.”
The production’s intricate score presents new challenges. “The music is definitely more difficult than ‘Hadestown,’” White explained, “but it’s not sung straight through. There are scenes and breaks, so it gives the actors space to tell the story.”
Beneath its whimsical surface, “Into the Woods” explores profound themes. “It tackles growing up, grief and the loss of innocence,” White said. “It’s a universal story about what it means to be human – about choices, family and responsibility, making it more challenging to convey.”
The program’s nomination is more than recognition. It’s an affirmation of hard work. “We were finalists last year for Hair and Makeup, Set Design, and Best Performer,” White said. “It’s incredibly beneficial for the kids. They get to be recognized for the work they pour their hearts into every day after school.”
Edres, who was nominated for Best Female Vocalist during her senior year, said the recognition was very impactful. “It added so much purpose to my final year and helped shape me into who I am today and moving forward,” Edres said. “It opened up a whole new world of creativity and connection that I didn’t realize was missing.”
While awards can have a positive impact, White reminds her students to stay grounded. “Award ceremonies are subjective,” White said. “They’re the opinions of a few, not the whole. What matters is that we’re proud of what we’ve created together.”
For both teachers and students, the biggest takeaway from the program is the power of community. This is built with endless support and countless hours bringing a production to life. It’s in the collaboration between cast, crew and directors where they work together to accomplish a common goal. Time spent together during this process fosters lasting friendships and memories for the students.
As “Into the Woods” prepares to take stage, White hopes the experience will remind students that art is about the heart, not trophies. This experience takes a lot of time and energy, but the students have confidence in what they are doing – creating something impactful for the future of the Xavier theatre program.
