Top Rankings in Monologue Competition
All three Liberty students who performed individual monologues — Sheanna Dimen, Ciaran Lollar, and Charlotte Joseph — advanced to the final round and placed within the top 10 overall. Among them, Sheanna Dimen earned a fifth-place finish, a remarkable accomplishment given the level of competition and the number of schools represented.
Outstanding Ensemble and Scene Recognition
The PLAYtrioT Theatre Company also performed an abridged scene from The Comedy of Errors, earning second place in the Arden Division, the top division of the festival. Their performance stood out among nine competing schools, marking Liberty’s best placement in recent years.
In addition to the overall team achievement, Ciaran Lollar, Preston Beagle, Rowan Harrell, Auria Shamblin, and Sheanna Dimen were each recognized with Outstanding Performance in an Ensemble Scene Awards, the most such honors received by any school at the festival. The ensemble also earned a Superior rating, the highest distinction awarded.
A New Era for Liberty Theatre
This year marks a new chapter for Liberty’s drama program under the direction of Caitlin Herring, who is in her first year at Liberty but fifth year of teaching overall. Herring took over following the retirement of longtime theater legend Perry Ware. Her leadership has brought fresh energy to the program while honoring the strong foundation built by her predecessor.
Student performer Ciaran Lollar praised Herring’s impact, noting that she has done an outstanding job “picking up where Mr. Ware left off and continuing to grow the students and community.” Supporting Herring is Justine Luevano, serving in Liberty’s new theatre tech position, helping to strengthen the technical and backstage aspects of the program.
The achievements at the Shakespeare Festival highlight not only the students’ hard work but also the collaborative spirit that defines Liberty’s performing arts program. With renewed momentum, dedicated leadership, and undeniable talent, the PLAYtrioT Theatre Company has proven that the stage at Liberty High School continues to be a place of excellence, creativity, and community pride.