East Haddam, Connecticut — Franklin Academy’s performing arts program continued its impressive momentum this month as students earned top recognition at the Connecticut Drama Association’s One-Act Festival, held on Saturday, March 14 at Kinsella Magnet School in Hartford.
Franklin Academy’s cast and crew of Tracks by Peter Tarsi delivered a powerful performance as part of a demanding, day-long festival that brought together student theater programs from across the state. Despite an early 9:35 a.m. performance slot and a full 15-hour day of workshops, peer performances, and adjudication, Franklin students rose to the occasion with confidence and professionalism.
Their efforts were recognized with several distinguished honors. Among the individual awards, Liv Frydberg and Maya Kinloch were each named to the All-Connecticut Cast, an honor recognizing standout performances across the festival. Eli Malamy received an Outstanding Acting Award, one of the highest individual honors of the day and awarded to only four students statewide. The production as a whole was also celebrated, earning the Theatrical Excellence Award, presented to the top two runner-up productions for Outstanding Production.
These achievements reflect the strength and growth of Franklin Academy’s performing arts program, which continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and confidence-building. The school is home to an active chapter of the International Thespian Society, further enriching students’ engagement in theater and the performing arts. In addition to its success at the state festival, Franklin Academy’s program has garnered broader recognition this year, earning multiple nominations at the 2025 Halo Awards, which celebrate excellence in high school theater across Connecticut.
At Franklin Academy, the performing arts are more than a stage—they are an integral part of how students build skills, find their voices, and connect with one another. This latest recognition highlights not only the talent of the students, but also the dedication, creativity, and spirit that define the program.
