Berkeley Carroll’s Upper School theater program has earned national recognition with the selection of its production of Urinetown as a Main Stage performance at the International Thespian Festival this June.

Out of more than 400 applicant schools from across the country, Berkeley Carroll is one of just 12 invited to perform on the festival’s Main Stage, placing its student performers among the top high school theater artists nationwide. Hosted at Indiana University Bloomington, the festival brings together thousands of theatre students and educators for performances, master classes, and college auditions. Widely regarded as one of the most respected gatherings of young theatre artists in the country, it offers students the opportunity to connect with peers who share a passion for storytelling and performance.

Head of School Lisa Yvette Waller emphasized the significance of the honor within the context of the school’s broader educational approach.

“Of special significance for us is the fact that Berkeley Carroll is not a performing arts conservatory,” Dr. Waller said. “Our students are enthusiastic scientists, writers, athletes, and mathematicians. They are also, in equal measure, dedicated artists—including extraordinary theatre makers. Berkeley Carroll allows our young people to explore these talents at the highest level while pursuing a broad and challenging education. The International Thespian Festival honor is a prestigious affirmation of our efforts.”

For Director of Theater WT McRae, the recognition reflects both the collaborative nature of the production and the depth of student engagement across disciplines.

“This recognition speaks to the extraordinary commitment of our students—not only the performers on stage, but the designers, stage managers, and musicians who bring a production to life. Urinetown is a true ensemble effort, and having the opportunity to share that work on a national stage is both a tremendous honor and a meaningful learning experience for our entire company,” McRae said.

The opportunity extends far beyond the cast, encompassing the full company of student artists who contribute to the production. Together, they will present their work alongside some of the most accomplished student productions in the country, gaining exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and artistic voices.

The Educational Theatre Association, which hosts the festival, creates a dynamic environment where students from diverse schools and backgrounds come together in a shared community of learning and creativity. In that spirit, the experience reflects a core value at Berkeley Carroll: that education is not only about mastery, but also about cultivating curiosity, empathy, resilience, and discernment expressed through engagement with the wider world.

The selection of Urinetown as a Main Stage performance stands as a powerful testament to the breadth and depth of a Berkeley Carroll education—one in which students pursue their academic and artistic passions with equal commitment, and where collaboration, creativity, and purpose come together on and off the stage.