West Hartford theatre student in national spotlight NBC Connecticut [Video]

A recent high school grad in West Hartford is heading to college with the experience of a lifetime. This summer, James Thibault was a finalist at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards,  known as the Jimmy Awards.

“Ah! It feels so funny walking into the auditorium from this angle!” Thibault said. “It’s such a cool space.”

Even though he is headed off to college, Thibault feels a tinge in the heart revisiting his high school stomping grounds: the Conard High School Theatre.

“I love this stage. Every time I’m up here, I just think of the cool memories that I have!” Thibault said.

A life-long performer, Conard is where his acting career bloomed.

“Every show was challenging in some way, which is, I feel so lucky to be able to say,” Thibault said.

Under Theatre Director Hunter Parker, Thibault took on roles in half a dozen plays at Conard.

“The thing that stood out …