Jefferson High drama headed to nationals

The Jefferson High theater program won a top honor at Missoula’s Montana Thespian Festival over the weekend, securing a trip to the national drama competition for the first time this decade.

“It’s an honor,” said JHS drama teacher Mike Hesford, who has gone seven years without taking a show to nationals. “It’s great, it’s totally exciting.”

Judges awarded Hesford’s original musical “Bye Bye Blackbird” the Chapter Select One-Act Showcase Award, ensuring the show will represent Montana at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University-Bloomington in June, competing with 32 other state programs.