The turnout was superb at the mildly cultish Thespian Initiation Banquet that took place last night at Blackstone Bar and Grill. Previously inducted members of the International Thespian Society knighted new members and lit the candle of Thespis, the Greek God of theatre.

Awards were handed out to Aidan Smith ’19 (Best Newcomer), senior Robert “Bob” VanOrden (Best Techie), Emma Myers-Verhage ’17 (Best Supporting Actress), AJ Boulund ’17 (Best Supporting Actor), Addie Bass ’17 (Best Actress In a Lead Role), and senior Ellis Fontana (Best Actor In a Lead Role).

A hush fell over the crowd as directors Havilah and Troy Peters beckoned the attention towards English teacher and tech coordinator Doug Lestina. With a flick of his wrist, Mr Lestina twisted over a piece of poster board, revealing To Kill a Mockingbird as next year’s fall play. The crowd erupted and the process was repeated as the second poster board was over turned to display the title of next year’s spring musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie.