"Thespians" is a flat-out triumph, a hugely enjoyable--and beautiful--documentary that follows four Florida high-school acting troupes to the state finals in Tampa, including two groups from Jacksonville. One is gutsy group of Stanton College Prep boys (self described nerds) who sing and dance, amusingly.

Warren Skeels makes an impressive directorial debut, fulfilling his part in creating a highly enjoyable film while honoring his subjects. 

Skeels film is a success because the camera lens is merely a mirror; he simply illuminates a path for the audience he knows has enough discernment to remain anyomous  behind the lens, allowing the audience to enter this realm as an undisturbed observer to an interesting and ultimately endearing world.

A touching tribute to teacher give a damn and some very bright students who follow their own calling.

"...Thespians"--which had an enthusiastic audience at an advance screening outdoors on Alys Beach earlier in the week, thanks to FSU's Torchlight Program--

"Prepared to be moved."

The opening night gala and premiere of "Thespians" delivered the talent and glamour promised by the organizers of the second annual Naples International Film Festival.

This time, the focus was on spotlighting the arts, which are the first to suffer during the budget cuts, artistic director Shannon Franklin told the seated crowd.

That's what they loved about director Warren Skeels' "Thespians," which follows four high school troupes as they compete in the Florida State Thespian Festival, the largest high school drama competition in the nation.

"We believe the arts are so important, all forms," Franklin said. "This film speaks to that passion that starts when you're young."

Link to complete article on-line

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010101105002 

Sunday night, the Gasparilla International Film Festival — after three years of sharp growing pains — matured into everything a regional cinema showcase hopes to be.

You want good movies? The closing film, Warren Skeels’ Glee-ful documentary Thespians, may have been the best of the festival's strongest lineup ever. Awards were presented to appreciative indie filmmakers in a Tampa Theatre setting that had visitors from as far away as Brazil swooning at its old world elegance.

All of them deserving winners but the evening belonged to Thespians, a captivating documentary following four high school acting troupes preparing for Florida's state competition held annually in Tampa. Watching these talented teenagers tackling tough scenes with veteran gusto — backed by marvelously devoted teachers — was an extraordinary experience. The last time I recall leaving a festival feeling this good about a previously unknown documentary was Murderball a few years ago in Sarasota, and that one got nominated for an Oscar. Thespians isn't likely to match that feat but Skeels’ movie absolutely deserves a distribution deal to try.

Link to complete article on-line
http://blogs.tampabay.com/movies/2010/03/gasparilla-film-festival-ends-with-thespians-awards-a-heckuva-party-and-charlie-crist.html