Double Feature: PCT, Burton students honored at JTF

Every year since 2019 that Dr. Mary Shaw has had a group of students perform at the Junior National Festival they have been honored in some way.

Shaw has taken students to JTF every year for several years now first with the Barn Theater and now with her own Porterville Children's Theater. And again this year her group earned several honors at JTF. But also this year the Burton School District joined the party.

Porterville had the distinction of having two groups honored at the Junior Theater Festival held last weekend in Sacramento. JTF brings together student performers from across the nation and world to celebrate musical theatre through adjudicated performances, workshops, and collaboration with theatre professionals

Students from Shaw's PCT performed a 15-minute presentation from Mary Poppins Jr. and the group was honored with the Excellence in Acting award. In addition Kamlynn Newlin, who has been honored several times at JTF, was again honored for excellence in student choreography for a second time.

Newlin's sister, Kaye Newlin and Addi Theil were also selected as all-stars for PCT at JTF.

Meanwhile the Burton School District group received the Excellence in Ensemble award for their performance from Alice in Wonderland. In addition Burton also had two all-stars, Gracelynn Phillips and Shea Leslie.

Kaye Newlin, Theil, Phillips and Leslie had the chance to perform with all the other all-stars with Michael James Scott, who has performed as the Genie in Aladdin on Broadway for several years.

Shaw put it best when she said, “it was another epic experience for our youth in Porterville!” Shaw added it was impressive to have two groups from a community as small as Porterville at JTF. “It shows how Porterville is dedicated to the arts,” she said.

About Burton Shaw said, “I think Burton School District does a great job with the arts.”

And that's not all. Kamlynn and Kaye Newlin, who both dance with Porterville's Dane Horizons, auditioned for a dance video to be produced in New York City and received a call back for a second audition.

Shaw noted she also had a group earn Excellence in Acting honors in 2019 at JTF when she was with the Barn Theater with the Mary Poppins Jr. production. “We condensed the show into 15 minutes,” said Shaw about this past weekend.

Even though the group faced havomh to be the first one to perform at 8:30 a.m. Shaw said they weren't fazed. “They got the energy,” she said. “I was super proud. They did a super good job.”

Shaw said Mary Poppins Jr. lends itself to those to be able to show their acting skills. She said her students were able to do that as they continued to interact with each other even when they were not the main characters in a scene. “They were really interacting with each other and the audience as well,” she said.

Kay Newlin and Theil got to perform From Now On from The Greatest Showman with the other all-stars and Scott. “It was so powerful. They performed their little hearts out,” said Shaw about the all-stars.

PCT cast members at JTF were: Simonne Garyon-Mary Poppins; Kamlynn Newlin—Bert

Kaye Newlin—Jane Banks; Kane Palomares-Michael Banks; Zoe Samson—Bird Lady

Milanna Garyon—Winifred Banks and Neleus; Corben Soeck—George Banks; Ambrielle Martinez—Mrs. Corry; Addi Theil- Mrs. Brill; Taylor Sanchez—Katie Nanna and Featured dancer; Emily Tena—Mrs. Northrop.

BURTON

Burton School District Visual And Performing Arts program, VAPA, students showcased their talent and teamwork at the Junior Theatre Festival, earning the distinguished Excellence in Ensemble award for their outstanding group performance.

Burton students impressed adjudicators with their strong character work, vocal performance, stage presence, and seamless collaboration as an ensemble. The cast included: ● Alice – Katelynn Lewis ● White Rabbit – Danielle Martinez ● Cheshire Cats – Anissa FacioBaranek, Charity Cha, Shea Leslie ● Mad Hatter – Gracelynn Phillips ● March Hare – A.J. Duron ● Queen of Hearts – Addison Cannella ● Flowers – Emma Born, Emma Ramos, Brooke Berry.

The Excellence in Ensemble recognition celebrated the group’s unity, energy, and commitment to storytelling as a team — a testament to the students’ dedication during rehearsals and their ability to support one another on stage and off.

“Proud is an understatement, and the hard work and dedication from the students and parents did not go unnoticed,” said Director Jennifer Cannella. “Being able to create an opportunity for students to experience the magic of theater is my WHY.

“I am extremely proud of our two ALL-Star candidates Gracelynn Phillips and Shea Leslie for recognition of honor!”

“This festival is truly an amazing opportunity for our students who have a passion for theatre,” said Vocal Director Daniella Lovato. “One of the reasons we have built this program is to be able to give them real world experiences in the arts and this weekend was definitely one of those inspiring moments where Burton students from our little town of Porterville were able to share it with over 3,000 theatre students from countries all over the world.”

“It’s beautiful being in a place where other kids are just like me,” shared Anissa Facio Baranek, a 10th grade student from Summit Collegiate High School who found her love for the stage during a school musical in 2025. “It was amazing and I feel so grateful that everyone was there to experience it. I’m really looking forward to next year.”

“Burton School District remains committed to providing enriching arts education experiences that build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills,” the district stated. “The district congratulates these talented performers on their well-earned recognition and looks forward to their continued success.”

Double Feature: PCT, Burton students honored at JTF

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