Teenagers are so incredibly capable of creating masterpieces if you just give them the chance. This is what crossed my mind throughout the whole evening of the 2023 FEDA finals. Their talent is raw, their hearts are full, and they are braver than anyone on Broadway. They have nothing to lose and everything to win- which is terrifying but, my God, does it make for good art.

 

We had the privilege of interviewing some of the kids in their dressing rooms before their performance. The air was tense, nerves were up, but the young performers did not miss a single moment, wishing us good luck, thinking we were a part of a production (which I can’t blame them for, I was in their same shoes a year ago and I haven’t aged all that much).  Despite all the tension, laughter echoed through the hallways, and the most glorious choir of singing could be heard in every dressing room- practising or an attempt to calm down? I couldn’t tell. These kids were a mess, everyone was frazzled, but the vibes were good and everyone seemed ready enough. When asked to get interviewed the highschoolers acted exactly how you expected they would. Everyone wanted their moment in the limelight, and I was met with giggling teens, ever so awkward. You’d never guess these normal kids would be the masterminds behind plays that made me laugh until my eyes watered, and cry until I couldn’t breathe.

 

Let the record show, these brilliant young people did everything themselves; Directing, set-design, script-writing (every play in the finals were original works), production, sound and lighting, choreography, music… the list goes on. Lord of the Flies was wrong: Unattended teens will create magic, not the violence we are so scared of!

 

Please enjoy my recaps of the incredible evening. I hope I do these kids justice, and let their astounding talents speak for themselves. 

 

Every play performed received the standing ovation they all desperately deserved.