About the Festival

Inspiring the next generation of theatre artists for nearly 70 years!

The Lenaea High School Theatre Festival is an annual three-day celebration of creativity and talent, bringing together high school theatre students from across the West Coast. This dynamic event invites students to perform, receive personalized feedback from professional theatre artists, and explore their craft through hands-on workshops in every corner of the theatre world.

Founded in 1956 and inspired by the ancient Greek Lenaea festivals, Lenaea began as an initiative of Sacramento State College (now CSU Sacramento) to nurture and elevate high school theatre programs. Since becoming an independent nonprofit in 2012, Lenaea has found its home at the Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College.

Students can showcase their skills in a wide range of competitive categories:

  • Monologues

  • Duo Scenes

  • Musical Theatre Solos

  • One-Act Plays

  • Original Script

  • Student Direction

  • Costume Design

  • Scenic Design

A hallmark of Lenaea is its interactive feedback sessions. After performing or presenting their work, students receive direct coaching from theatre professionals. Actors can immediately try new choices on stage, while designers and writers gain insight to refine and elevate their concepts — a rare, transformative experience that sets Lenaea apart.

Beyond competition, Lenaea offers lab-style workshops led by actors, directors, designers, producers, and university professors. Each year, students can dive into topics such as:

For Performers

  • Acting

  • Improvisation

  • Shakespeare

  • Stage Combat

  • Dance & Choreography

  • Vocal Technique

For Creators & Makers

  • Playwriting

  • Directing

  • Scenic Design

  • Costume Design

  • Prop Design

  • Lighting Design

For the Next Stage

  • Audition Technique

  • College Audition Prep

Every February, more than 1,700 students from over 70 schools — spanning from Los Angeles to Alaska — come together to create, learn, and connect. The result is a vibrant community where young artists gain confidence, develop their craft, and celebrate the shared joy of theatre.

Lenaea Board of Directors

  • Alicia Jeffery

    FESTIVAL DIRECTOR and BOARD PRESIDENT

  • Joshuah Marx

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Tyagr Hall

    RESPONDENT COORDINATOR
    BOARD MEMBER

  • Ian Wallace

    BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

  • Cameron Hoyt

    FESTIVAL TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
    BOARD MEMBER

  • Cheena Moslen

    BOARD MEMBER