Main Stage Thespians: The Revolutionists

Every year, Thespian troupes from around the country apply for an opportunity to perform on the largest stage in school theatre – the International Thespian Festival (ITF) Main Stage. In 2025, eight productions earned that chance, showcasing their skills and sharing their stories with thousands of Thespians and educators. Joining the lineup this year is Thespian Troupe 69 from Dubuque Senior High School and their production of The Revolutionists.

Ahead of their trip to ITF, Dramatics chatted with cast members Ami Bellings (Charlotte Corday), Avery Kane (Marie Antionette), and Bella VandenBerge (Olympe du Gouges), to learn more about their show and experiences as they gear up for the big stage.

Compared to performing at your school, what’s different about preparing for one of the largest stages in school theatre?

Avery Kane, Marie Antionette: Preparing to perform at ITF feels like preparing to launch a rocket! We want our show to be a success, so we’re putting our all into preparation. The set is bigger, the costumes are bigger, and the message is bigger. Everything is scaled up: which raised the stakes too. Our excitement has tripled, and we can’t wait to bring The Revolutionists to a national stage!

Ami Bellings, Charlotte Corday: The difference is having to think of ways to convey our message to thousands of people compared to the couple hundred we’re used to. My mindset has changed because I realize every detail, no matter how small, will be magnified and seen by thousands of others. I need to focus on projecting physically and emotionally to every person whether they’re in the front row or all the way in the back.

Bella VandenBerge, Olympe du Gouges: The biggest difference is learning how to connect to every person in the audience, even when we’re not able to see them. We must bring each person into the world of The Revolutionists even if they’re in the back of the audience.

What aspect of your show are you most proud of, and why?

Avery Kane, Marie Antionette: I’m most proud of the costumes in our show. I love how they reflect the journey of each character and change along with their story arc. They also represent various social classes of the French Revolution and still feel bright and full of life during the Reign of Terror.

Ami Bellings, Charlotte Corday: I’m most proud of the story we’re telling. These four bad ass women share the profound impact they had in their time, and the importance of their story resonates just as strongly today. My generation needs to hear this message, and my hope is it impowers someone in the audience to keep fighting for change.

Bella VandenBerge, Olympe du Gouges: I’m most proud of the bond created throughout this process. We have truly become one big family, and I know that bond will only grow stronger at ITF.

Any memorable rehearsal moments or backstage traditions that stood out to you during the process of mounting the show?

Avery Kane, Marie Antionette: Trying not to break character while making eye contact with my costars on stage. It’s so hard to keep a straight face when you’re having fun!

Ami Bellings, Charlotte Corday: Seeing the finished set for the first time. Looking at it felt unreal; the lights and guillotine were perfect.

Bella VandenBerge, Olympe du Gouges: Typically, the “less productive” rehearsals, where we all have tears rolling down our face from laughing so hard.

Preparing a show is always a learning process. What’s been your biggest lesson prepping your show, applying for adjudication, and now being told you’re heading to ITF?

Avery Kane, Marie Antionette: Waiting for the ITF nomination felt like years, and now I’m so excited to perform the show I don’t want to wait anymore! However, good things take time. So I’ve learned to wait patiently for things I’m excited for!

Ami Bellings, Charlotte Corday: Every effort I put in is worth it. There are setbacks but I take them as an opportunity to grow. And even when things don’t go perfectly, I’ve learned to trust the journey and appreciate the progress we’ve made as a team. My director Mr. Dean also taught me a very important lesson, that success doesn’t always look like perfection, it’s about having heart, passion, and dedication.

Bella VandenBerge, Olympe du Gouges: As my director always says, “we’re happy, but not satisfied.” I’m already so proud of how amazing this show is, but I know it can be even better! So as a cast, we’re starting the process all over again to continue improving and moving our show forward for everyone at ITF.

What is your favorite moment in the show?

Avery Kane, Marie Antionette: When we all get to dance Fosse. I love the silliness of it!

Ami Bellings, Charlotte Corday: Getting to say lines like “let’s get to the pointy point” or “stabbity stab.” Another moment I love is when a chorus of women join us on stage at the end to sing “Our song.”

Bella VandenBerge, Olympe du Gouges: A scene between two of my cast mates, it’s so moving and heartbreaking to watch…in a good way. I can’t give away any spoilers!

As a Thespian, what about this production makes you proud to share it with the ITF community? What do you hope the national audience remembers after the curtain falls in June?

Avery Kane, Marie Antionette: I’m proud to share this show because the story we’re telling is so important and inspiring. Everyone can connect with each character and what they’re going through in different ways, and I hope everyone feels moved and impacted by the show’s ending!

Ami Bellings, Charlotte Corday: I hope they remember that every voice in a big crowd, no matter how quiet or loud, is important. So don’t let others bring you down, just keep going.

Bella VandenBerge, Olympe du Gouges: I’m so proud of this show because it covers important and meaningful topics that are so relevant to highschoolers right now. I’m excited to share this play and its message to a larger audience from around the world.