FrightFest Celebrates Student Creativity with a Spine-Tingling Showcase of the Arts

FrightFest recently transformed St. Margaret’s Darcy Rice Center for the Arts into a showcase of student creativity, bringing together film, music, dance, photography, and creative writing for an evening of artistic collaboration and Halloween-inspired entertainment.

The festival opened with a captivating performance by the St. Margaret’s Orchestra, led by Orchestra Director Linling Hsu, titled “Hollywood History of Horror.” In this live-to-picture presentation, the orchestra performed alongside memorable scenes from classic horror films, including The Shining, Jaws, Psycho, and The Ring. The dynamic combination of live orchestral music and iconic film moments brought the suspense, atmosphere, and drama of these cinematic classics to life.

Dance also took center stage as the Tartan Dance Company, under the direction of Kirsten Harvey, performed a piece titled The Grotto. The performance added another artistic dimension to an evening filled with imaginative interpretations of the Halloween season.

Student filmmakers provided plenty of thrills with their original short films. The festival opened its student film screenings with Past the Olive Orchard by Upper School student Carson Good (‘27). In the film, three intrepid trick-or-treaters, against their better judgment, approach an isolated house. The festival concluded with Reaper by Upper School student Sean Gunar (‘28), which drew viewers into a suspenseful story about fate, the unknown, and the unsettling possibility of knowing what lies ahead.

Throughout the festival, the films were enthusiastically received. “The creativity and technical skill displayed by the student filmmakers made for a memorable showcase,” said Karen Bennett, film and media teacher, “the films featured spine-tingling jump scares, thoughtful ominous lighting, and uniquely creepy monsters.”

The visual arts were equally well represented. Students working with photography teacher, Joe Hoff, presented their projects under the theme Doorways of Ominous Portents.

The written word also had its place in this year's celebration. The Jury Award for Best Short Story went to Upper School student Eddie Zhang (‘29) for -222nd Floor. Eddie read the story aloud during the festival, captivating the audience with a piece that was both beautifully written and truly terrifying.

The festival's Jury Award for Best Film will be presented during Upper School Convocation next week. According to Ms. Bennett, this year's festival jurors brought professional experience from across the film industry, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and music.

FrightFest was made possible through the collaboration of St. Margaret’s arts educators and creative partners, including Katie DeShan, Middle School theater teacher and director, and Beth Clemmons, Upper School English teacher, along with the previously highlighted contributions of the dance, photography, and orchestra programs. Together, their efforts showcased the depth of creativity and collaboration within St. Margaret’s arts community. Ms. Bennett expressed, “The faculty contributions helped create an event that celebrated the many ways students can tell stories, express ideas, and bring their imaginations to life.”

The films will be available to view beginning November 9 at FrightFEST Arts Showcase.