Hoboken Theater Students Shine At Statewide Competition

Press release from Hoboken Public School District:

HOBOKEN, NJ — On Jan. 10, students from Hoboken High School and Hoboken Middle School showcased their talent and dedication at the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education Theatre Competition, hosted by the Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey (STANJ) at Montclair State University.

The statewide event brought together 51 schools and more than 1,300 students for a full day of rigorous theatrical competition and professional learning. Hoboken students earned a total of seven awards—an outstanding achievement at this highly competitive event.

The competition ran from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the morning session, students performed timed pieces in their respective categories for adjudication by highly qualified professional theatre educators. To ensure fairness and eliminate favoritism, participants were identified only by assigned school numbers rather than school names. Performances were evaluated strictly on talent, preparation, and professionalism.

Students who earned the highest scores in each adjudication room advanced to the finalist round and performed again in the afternoon for a new panel of judges. Only top performers received placements, making the competition particularly challenging, as students were assessed both against a rubric and in direct comparison with peers from across New Jersey.

While finalists competed, other students participated in professional workshops led by Montclair State University faculty and professional artists. Workshop offerings included Stage Combat, Intro to Dance, College BFA Acting Auditions, Improvisation, and Lighting Design, providing valuable exposure to collegiate and professional theatre pathways.

The Hoboken Theatre Department is immensely proud of the 61 students who represented the district. Over the past two months, students prepared pieces across a wide range of categories, including comedic and dramatic monologues, comedic and dramatic pairs, scenes, improvisation, solo and duet musical theatre, ensemble musical theatre, character analysis, and pantomime. With approximately 200 entries per category, earning placement in the top ten is a significant accomplishment; students placing seventh through 10th are designated as Finalists. Beyond awards, students left the event having formed new connections with fellow theatre artists from across the state.

Danielle Miller, supervisor of performing arts, extends sincere gratitude to the theatre educators who supported students throughout the preparation and competition:

High School Student Thespian Competition Team (36 students)

Sihana Alaj; Emerson Blischke-Villavicencio; Sophia Castiglione; Channing Chung; Gabriel Colon; Rye Critelli; Cameron Daly; Lucas Daly; Gregory Early; Athena Elshafey; Jose Figueroa; Sihanna Garcia; Mayla Gregory; Julieta Guzman-Espinosa; Stefan Jovanovski; Jackson Kirsch; Molly Lamb; Alistair Liddell; Tyler Mara; Dyana Martinez; Kevin Melendez; Hannah Morley; Maxine Nieroda; Seneca Perry; Magnus Peterka; Michelle Puharre; Gabriel Rivas; Crisshayla Rivera; Jayden Rosser; Avery Roth; Martin Shchudro; Amelia Tlacuilo; Pria Wolsky; Bria Wong; Rebecca Wu

Hoboken Middle School Junior Thespians (25 students)

Naomi Bacon; Nyah Beveridge; Violet Blaylock; Connor Broderick; Kelsey Broderick; Ryka Chugh; Lenny Cohen; Doug Critelli; Otto Hasselberger; Bianca Hodge; Phillip Lazorchick; Robert Lazorchick; Jaden Lionel; Jillian Mahat; Maddy McKeown; Luke Mei; Ellie Miller; Logan Morrissey; Mallory Pasquenza; Sophia Petrakov; Carlos Pineda; Alexandra Poucki; Cainan Rawhouser; Romy Ron-Kushnick

For more information about the Hoboken Theatre Department and student achievements, please contact Mrs. Danielle Miller, Supervisor of Performing Arts at Danielle.Miller@hoboken.k12.nj.us

This press release was produced by Hoboken Public School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.