The Fauquier High School (FHS) Theatre Department won the VHSL Class 3 state championship for its one-act performance of The Price. The competition was held Sunday, Dec. 7, at the V. Earl Dickinson Theatre at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville.

After winning both the regional and super-regional competitions, FHS advanced to the state finals, competing against three other high school regional champions from across Virginia.

“The dedication and talent of our students were on full display,” said FHS Principal Dr. David Ferguson. “I have seen this performance three times, and it was clear that the Falcons took the feedback from previous competitions to deliver a state championship performance. They brought both laughter and moments of sacrifice to life, and it is an absolute honor to see them achieve this success.”

The play, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s dark tale, follows a mother who pursues Death, after her only child is taken. Along her journey, she meets a cast of characters who reveal her child’s whereabouts, but only if she makes certain sacrifices. The production featured an ensemble cast of 11 students and a backstage tech crew of three.

Cast of The Price

• Kira Merryman
• Niko Reutzel
• Pierce Shaw
• Kairi Esposito
• TJ Boykin
• Landon Thomas
• Anthony Simpson
• Raelyn Jackson
• Sam Boykin
• Annie Gentry
• Yoshi Hara

Stage manager/assistant costumer: Maggie Lang
Assistant stage managers: Lorelei Pointer, Arabella Pointer

Among the individual recognitions, Kairi Esposito, who portrayed Mother, was named one of four Best Actors of the entire state competition. The award-winning production was directed by April Poland, an FHS English and theatre teacher with extensive theatre experience.

Fauquier County Public Schools and FHS recognizes the students, staff, and families who contributed to the production and supported the team throughout the season.