Madison Reporter

Madison East High School's theatre team, known as the "Eastside Players," achieved significant success at the 2024 Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Festival. The team earned several awards, including the Critic’s Choice Award for their production of Tim Kelly’s one-act play, "Country Gothic." They also received recognition for outstanding ensemble, technical theatre, directing, and acting performances by Ana McCallum-Moore and Marcus McCaleb.

Dan Davidson, MMSD’s director of arts education, praised the program led by East's theatre teacher Paul Milisch. He stated, “East’s theatre teacher, Paul Milisch, has continued to grow the school’s program into one recognized across the state as a leader in performing arts.” Davidson expressed pride in the team's hard work and congratulated them on their achievements.

The competition featured over 1,800 student competitors from various high schools across Wisconsin. It was held at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts and included 43 one-act performances over three days.

Paul Milisch highlighted the significance of reaching the state competition level. He remarked, “Advancing to the state competition is a tremendous accomplishment in and of itself.” He acknowledged his team's dedication and commitment that brought pride to East High School.

Research indicates that participation in arts education enhances academic performance and supports social and emotional development while fostering inclusion and belonging among students.

The full roster of Eastside Players includes Mark McCaleb, Ana McCallum-Moore, Autumn Salas, Lili Baker, Sycamore Felland, Quince Clark, Zavier Alexander, Madeline Lehmen, Esme Deadman, Louis Morgan, Cora Holden, Scarlet Wellens, Chloe Johnson, Joe Sprader, Teagan Kluetzman, Faerie Mlatawou Jase Frost-Ohlsen Scarlett Welch Summer Vanatta Julia West Dominica Costanzo-Adkins Lucy Hillebrand Ariana Nathan Lincoln Miller Kalea Cummings Eli Hermann Milena Schucknect.