LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Public Schools All-County Theatre Troupe will host a Thespy Showcase fundraiser Monday, March 2, 2026, at La Plata High School to support students selected for a national performance opportunity this summer.
The showcase begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a variety of monologues, scenes, technical theatre designs and musical theatre numbers performed by students representing each CCPS high school.
The All-County Theatre Troupe was selected as one of only 12 groups nationwide to perform at the International Thespian Festival, a premier theatre event for middle and high school students held annually since 1941. The festival brings together thousands of students from around the world for performances, workshops led by industry professionals and opportunities to grow in theatre education.
Ben Simpson, director of the Charles County All-County Theatre Troupe, said the selection reflects years of work and collaboration across the county’s high schools.
“I’m so excited to share that Charles County All-County Thespian Troupe’s production of Addams Family has been selected to perform on the Mainstage at the International Thespian Festival in June,” Simpson shared in a Facebook post.
He said the program was created with the goal of bringing top student talent together and building something special for the community.
“When I started the All-County musical two years ago, this was always the goal. I knew if we could bring the best of the best together, we could make it happen,” Simpson said.
Approximately 70 students from across the county are involved in the production. The honor marks only the second time in more than 80 years that a Maryland theatre group has been selected for a main stage performance at the festival, organizers said.
This year, a record number of productions were reviewed before the final lineup was selected. The Charles County troupe will perform “The Addams Family Musical: School Edition,” representing Maryland among groups from several states.
The 2026 festival will take place June 21–26 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where the Charles County students will represent Southern Maryland on an international stage.
Tickets for the March 2 showcase are $5, and additional donations are encouraged. All funds collected during the event will go directly toward supporting the students’ trip.
The fundraiser will be held at La Plata High School, located at 6035 Radio Station Road. Community members who cannot attend but would still like to support the effort are encouraged to contact organizers for donation opportunities.
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