J.P. Taravella Drama Earns Rare State Festival Spot After 11-Year Drought

For the first time in 11 years, J.P. Taravella High School’s drama program has been selected to perform at the Florida Thespian State Festival — an honor awarded to only 10 productions statewide.

 

The Coral Springs school will stage an encore performance of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum on March 12 at 7 p.m., celebrating the achievement and helping fund the trip to Tampa in 2026.

 

What the Florida Thespian Festival Selection Means

 

Each year, schools across Florida compete for limited spots at the Florida Thespian Festival. Being chosen places Taravella’s production among the top high school theater programs in the state.

 

This marks just the fifth time in school history that Taravella has earned the distinction, and all five selections have occurred under the direction of Lori Sessions.

 

Only 10 productions were selected statewide for 2026.

 

The Encore Performance and Fundraising Effort

 

The March 12 encore performance serves a dual purpose: giving the community another opportunity to see the show and raising funds to cover the cost of participation.

 

School officials estimate it will cost approximately $16,000 to remount and transport the production to Tampa. Total festival-related expenses are projected to reach nearly $29,000.

 

Students have already begun fundraising efforts, and proceeds from the encore performance will go directly toward offsetting costs.

 

Why This Matters for Coral Springs

 

For families in Coral Springs, this achievement represents more than a single performance.

 

Participation in the Florida Thespian Festival provides students the chance to perform in a professional venue, collaborate with experienced technicians, and represent their school and community at a statewide level.

 

It also reinforces a broader pattern emerging across the city’s schools: measurable academic and extracurricular milestones that point to sustained investment in student programs.

 

Tickets for the March 12 encore performance are available through GoFan, with limited $10 Student Rush tickets offered one hour before curtain.

 

----------
This story is part of The Bright Side, which is an ongoing series from Coral Springs Insider that highlights positive developments and community moments around Coral Springs.

 

Editor’s note: This piece was selected and adapted for Coral Springs Insider to provide local context and perspective on an issue relevant to our community.