Lincoln Southwest High School’s theatre department will be taking their production of “Kinky Boots” to the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana. 

The International Thespian Festival, hosted by the International Thespian Society, is a four-day gathering of more than 4,000 high school theatre students, held every year in the summer. “Kinky Boots” is one of eight high schools that were selected to perform at the prestigious event, with other shows including North Broward Preparatory School’s “Catch Me If You Can” (Coconut Creek, Florida), Jemicy School’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” (Owings Mills, Maryland)  and New Albany High School’s “Beauty and the Beast” (New Albany, Indiana). 

“This is the National Championship of high school theatre,” director Bob Henrichs said. “The competition is in being selected, each show is celebrated and there is no competition between them.” 

“Kinky Boots” is Silver Hawk Theatre’s fourth show in 20 years to be selected as a main stage production, and the second year in a row following the virtual presentation of Disney’s “Newsies” in 2021. Other shows include 2015’s “White Christmas” and 2007’s “Black Elk Speaks.” 

“I am very excited for the cast and crew to be able to go to Internationals,” senior stage manager Camry Gage said. “It’s such a high honor to be able to do our show for so many people who are excited to see it.” 

More information about potential benefit performances and fundraisers will be announced in the coming weeks.