The Case High Theatre Company won the state title at the 2025-26 Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild Festival.

 

The group earned the top spot for its performance of "The Woodsman," an adaptation of the Obie Award-winning production, according to a community announcement. The play, directed by Neil Jeronimo, is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz" and tells the story of how the Tin Man lost his heart.

 

The festival featured more than 100 schools, with the finals held at the Back Bay Events Center in Boston. Each school performed a 40-minute, one-act play, with the competition including preliminary and semifinal rounds judged by a team of METG adjudicators.

 

This is the eighth time Case High School has won the state championship in its 46 seasons participating in the festival. The school has advanced to the state finals 32 times.

 

"Winning the METG Festival is the highest honor in the state for a high school theater company," Jeronimo said. "It is with immense pride that I share that Joseph Case High School earned the title of State champions this year. This achievement is especially meaningful given the subjective nature of theater adjudication. Unlike regular competitions, where outcomes are determined by points or scores, this honor reflects the thoughtful evaluation of a panel of judges, making it both unique and deeply rewarding."

 

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