Theatre

HISTORY OF THS THEATRE DEPARTMENT

Tupelo High School Theatre Department was founded in 1986 by THS Theatre teacher Debby Gibbs, but theatre at THS was around for many years before that under the guidance of Speech teacher and director, Ruth Liveakos.  Throughout the years, THS Theatre Department has continued to maintain the Tupelo High School ideals of excellence and interest in Theatre.  We produce FOUR full productions each school year.  These shows include a variety of genres, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and one acts.  THS Theatre offers Theatre I, II, III, IV, Production as well as Dramatic Criticism and Video Production.  We host two non Theatre clubs here at the high school.  All students are encouraged to join the Improv Club and the Film Club regardless of their class schedule.  We also sponsor Thespian Troupe 1949 which is a Theatre honorary.  Troupe 1949 has had multiple Superiors at state level over the years as well as at the International Thespian Festival.  We have represent the state of Mississippi at the international level as well.  THS Theatre is housed in the Small Auditorium of D building on the THS campus. Follow us on Twitter for the most current information @TupeloHSTheatre.

THEATRE DEPARTMENT FACULTY

Allana Austin is a 1993 graduate of Tupelo High School.  During her time in the THS Theatre Department she studied under Debby Gibbs.  After graduating Millsaps College in 1997, she toured with the Hampstead Players for two years.  In 1999, Austin returned to the THS Theatre Company as a teacher.  Over the years she has taught Theatre I-IV, Theatre Production, and Video Production.  She is the sponsor of Thespian Troupe 1949 and the Improv Club.  From 2011-2018 she served as the Fine Arts Chairperson.  In 2019 she was awarded a Teacher of Distinction honor by the Create Foundation.

Phillip Milner is a 2011 graduate of Tupelo High School.  During his time in the THS Theatre Department he studied under Debby Gibbs and Allana Austin.  After graduating from the University of MS, he taught math at Amory Middle School for 1 year in which he directed the first theater show for that district in 5 years.  He returned to the THS Theatre Company a year later as a teacher.  Over the past 4 years he has taught Theater I, Dramatic Criticism, Hi-Tech Video Production, and English III.  He is the sponsor of Film Club. He has been an active board member for MS Thespians since 2018 and has served as the Treasurer of the state organization since 2020.