“This is the first time that we’ve had the chance to host something like this and we’re very excited,” said WTC drama instructor Ray Newton.
The month-long festival will be held in the Fine Arts Theatre and 33 high schools from all over the region are scheduled for the presentation of one act plays. The festival will give the various schools the chance to present their plays before judges who will in turn critique their work and offer instruction for performance improvement.
“This event will be beneficial to all the schools involved,” Newton said. “It will give them a chance to tune up before the kids head out to zone and district competitions.
Rotan High School drama students were one of the first to take part in the program with their performance of Dearly Departed.
“I’ve been bringing my students to this for the last couple of years and it’s been great. My kids get so much out of it,” said Rotan High School drama instructor Byrde Sparks.
Dr. Louise Stinespring of Texas Tech University critiqued the presentation.
“The help that she offered to the students was invaluable,” said Sparks. “Her critiques were not only instructional, they w ere encouraging as well.”
The remaining schools scheduled to perform throughout the month are Stanton, Idalou, Jim Ned High School, Spur, Crosbyton, Ira, Cooper, Sudan, Anson, West Brook, Grady, Patton Springs, Irion County, Colorado City, Hamblin, Lubbock Monterey, Robert E. Lee, Roscoe, Highland, Jayton, Coahoma, Shallowater, Dawson, Tahoka, Roby, Amarillo, Ralls, Haskell, Breckenridge, Snyder, Sweetwater and Lubbock High.
The cast of Snyder High School’s one act play is scheduled to perform on March 23, the final day of the festival.