Sterling High School Theatre has entered an exciting new chapter with the official chartering of Thespian Troupe #12627, bringing the school into the International Thespian Society and opening new opportunities for students in the performing arts.
The new troupe is led by Greg McGlynn, a Sterling High School alumnus who returned home after more than 30 years of teaching theatre across Kansas and Texas. McGlynn said his decision to come back was rooted in both family and a desire to give back.
“I am excited to come back home and share my 30-plus years of theatre experiences with my alma mater,” McGlynn said. “I thought I was ready to slow down and return to driving a tractor in the fields of Rice County. But when my own kids started high school and there was a transition in the theatre department, I realized I wanted them to experience the same kind of exciting, fun memories on stage that I’ve given countless other students.”
One of McGlynn’s first goals was to establish a Thespian troupe at Sterling—something the school had never done before, despite its long history in theatre. “My old theatre teacher, Betsy Dutton, was here for over 40 years, but she also coached debate and forensics and taught senior English,” he said. “I’m the part-time theatre teacher, so I thought, ‘I should do this.’ Starting a Thespian troupe would enrich the students’ experience—not just performing, but serving the community and sharing meaningful stories.”
That vision became reality on December 10, when 13 students were inducted during Sterling High School’s inaugural Thespian ceremony.
The International Thespian Society is an honor organization that recognizes student achievement in theatre arts through a point system based on performance, technical work, leadership, and service. Membership opens the door to events such as the Kansas Thespian Festival, held annually at Century II in Wichita.
This year’s festival will take place January 8–10, 2026, and eight of Sterling’s 13 Thespians plan to attend. The three-day event brings together more than 1,800 high school theatre students for performances, workshops, college auditions, and professional development.
“I am most pumped to go to the Kansas Thespian Festival,” said Trace DeShon, the troupe’s secretary. “From what I’ve heard, the energy and enthusiasm of that many theatre students is incredible. I can’t wait.”
Sophomore James McGlynn is also looking forward to the experience. “I’m excited to go as a real Thespian,” he said. “I’ve gone for years to support my dad as a director, helping build sets and watching workshops. Now I get to experience all of that as a student.”
While the opportunity is exciting, it also comes with financial challenges. Each student must pay a $150 registration fee, and the total cost for registration, hotel, and food for the eight attending students exceeds $3,000. To help offset expenses, the troupe has been actively fundraising through events such as a Haunted Theatre on Halloween and a Children’s Theatre Workshop for elementary students earlier this fall. Those efforts have covered much of the cost, but additional support is still needed.
Community members who wish to help support Sterling High School’s new Thespian troupe and its trip to the state festival may write a check to Sterling High School, noting “Thespians” on the memo line.
McGlynn brings extensive festival experience to the program, having had seven productions selected for performance at the Kansas Thespian Festival and two advance to the International Thespian Festival. He has already set a goal for the Sterling program. “I want to see a Sterling High School production perform at the Kansas Thespian Festival within the next few years,” he said.
Sterling High Theatre currently produces a three-show season in the Betsy Dutton Auditorium, along with student-led projects and community outreach. With the formation of Thespian Troupe #12627, the program is building a strong foundation for student leadership, artistic excellence, and service—ensuring that the curtain is just rising on a new era for theatre at Sterling High School.
“The goal of Sterling High Theatre is to create high-quality, professional-level theatre that’s accessible to the entire community,” McGlynn said. “Our mission is to share the enriching experience of live theatre—to expose, educate, entertain, and excite.”