CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman High School Theatre has done it again, earning Best in Show at the State Walter Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival for the second year in a row. This year’s state festival took place Dec. 5-6, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with the CHS group winning for its one act production of “Suite Surrender.” The back-to-back win places Cullman among the most accomplished high school theater programs in the state.
“This is the second year in a row, and we are thrilled for these kids!!! We have the best students in the world, and they delivered again this year!!” Director Wayne Cook posted enthusiastically to social media shortly after the festival.
Because of the win, the young thespians have been invited once again to represent Alabama at the Southeastern Theatre Conference, one of the largest and most competitive high school theater events in the country. That event will take place March 4-7, 2026, in Chattanooga.
Several students also earned top individual event awards at the state festival:
- Cadan Fales, 2nd, Musical Theatre Comedic
- Avery Lane Green, 1st, Musical Theatre Dramatic
- Anne Lunsford, 1st, Musical Theatre Dramatic
- Emmaline Powell, 2nd, Playwriting
The department also celebrated multiple All-Star Cast selections. Fales, Green, Lily Abbott, Dylan Tisdale and Mary Atchison were each recognized for standout performances within the one-act competition.
CHS Theatre rounded out its achievements by winning Best Ensemble.
“We are unbelievably proud of these students,” said a statement from Cullman High School. “They continue to prove that we truly have some of the best young artists in the world.”
