From BOWLING GREEN CITY SCHOOLS
Bowling Green High School juniors Aidan Thomas and Calista Motisher earned top honors at the Educational Theatre Association’s Ohio Thespian Expo, including superior ratings in Thespy competitions and being cast in the selective all-Ohio show, “Ragtime.” Senior Adelina Villareal earned an excellent rating for her one-act play, “Point of View,” originally written for the BGHS Winter One-Act Play Festival in 2024. The play explores the challenges autistic teens face when misunderstood by peers and illustrates how the protagonist develops coping strategies.
These achievements took place during the Ohio Thespian Expo, hosted at Olentangy Liberty High School. The expo brings together theatre students from across the state for Thespy-qualifying events, college auditions, hands-on technical workshops, and auditions for the all-Ohio show.
Thomas received a superior rating for his solo performance, and Motisher and Villareal earned a superior rating for their duet – qualifying them to perform both pieces at the International Thespian Festival this summer in Bloomington, Indiana.
Thomas spoke about what this opportunity meant to him: “This experience was one of the best in my life. It deepened my strengths and helped me become a better actor. Although this was my first time competing, I was proud to make a strong impression at the state level and am excited to compete at the international level. This event made me realize that this is where I’m meant to be, and I want to spend the rest of my life in the theatre community.”
In addition, both students were cast in the all-Ohio show, a distinguished statewide production featuring top high school performers from across the state, who collaborate with theatre professionals. “Ragtime” will be performed at the opening of the Ohio Thespian Festival on April 10, 2026, at Chillicothe High School.
Motisher reflected on her experience and expressed gratitude for the support that helped her succeed: “I’m so thankful for this opportunity and excited to be part of the All-Ohio Show. I’m grateful to Aidan for encouraging me to audition, and to all of my teachers at BGHS, HYT, and 3B Productions—particularly Dr. G, Mrs. Vaughn, Tina Bunce, and Kelly Fraily—who have helped me grow and refine my skills as a singer and actress. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who support me in everything I do!”
Dr. JoBeth Gonzalez, BGHS language arts and drama teacher and BGHS Drama Club advisor, praised the three students for their drive and excellence: “I always encourage students to participate in the Thespys and audition for cast and crew positions for the All-Ohio show, but ultimately, it’s a self-motivating, self-driven opportunity. I assist as needed and offer staging suggestions and notes on their developing entries and audition material, but students are responsible for most of their preparation, getting themselves to the competition and audition and, if selected, to all rehearsals for the All-Ohio show.”
Gonzalez continued, “The Educational Theatre Association is a highly respected international organization, of which Ohio is a state chapter. The competition is steep. I’m very proud of Aidan, Calista, and Adelina!”
