It’s a big deal whenever any high school gets selected to advance to the annual International Thespian Festival and competition. After all, only nine schools are chosen.

So it’s a really big deal that, this year, two of those coveted slots are going to Colorado schools: Denver School of the Arts for its groundbreaking production of “Kinky Boots,” and Fossil Ridge High School of Fort Collins for its production of “Alice by Heart.”

Both monumental efforts will be showcased and performed at the 2024 festival, to be held June 23-28 at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Now, all they have to do is raise about a combined $100,000 to pay for it.

This is the sixth time Denver School of the Arts has advanced to the finals since Shawn Hann became director of theatre there in 2001, making Denver’s public arts magnet school something of a dynasty. “Kinky Boots” won a 2023 Denver Gazette True West Award, largely on the power of the behind-the-scenes story that unfolded between 16-year-old junior Neko Daniels and his father.

“Kinky Boots,” with songs by Cyndi Lauper, is based on the true story of a strait-laced young Brit who reluctantly inherits his father’s dying shoe factory – which is saved only after he forms an unlikely partnership with a tough drag queen named Lola (played by Daniels).

“‘Kinky Boots’ is a show that truly speaks to students who are struggling with identity and connection to their own families,” Hann said. “It’s a show about accepting who you are and moving forward with life. Having the ability to share this story with the National Thespians warms my soul.”

“Alice By Heart,” directed by Mikayla Assmus, is a new musical by the creators of “Spring Awakening” (Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater). Inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the story follows a budding teen whose life is turned upside down in the rubble of the London blitz during World War II. The musical celebrates the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.

Hundreds of schools from around the world submitted video of their recent musicals, which judges then scored on factors including diversity and inclusion, variety and technical competency.

“It is a true honor to be invited to this prestigious event,” said Assmus.

Now comes the hard part: Raising the money to get them all there – along with their sets, costumes, lighting and sound equipment. The festival does not provide technical support, so all schools have to fend for themselves.

Assmus is bringing a team of 37, including 13 actors, 24 technicians (plus chaperones). She says her team will have to raise $62,000 over the next five months to pull it off. Toward that end, the school will stage encore performances of “Alice by Heart” at 7 p.m. May 10-11. Tickets at booktix.net.

Hann believes she can bring a team of 74, including 44 cast members, 24 technicians and six chaperones, with $35,000.

The other festival finalists hail from Kenosha, Wis. (“Between the Lines”); Wauwatosa, Wis. (“Disney’s Frozen”); Baton Rouge (“Indecent”); Hoboken, N.J. (“Into the Woods”); Warsaw, Ind. (“My Heart Says Go”); Ashburn, Va. (“Rent”) and Arroyo Grande, Calif. (“Silent Sky”).