Thespians compete for state

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By Ryann Heinlen

Practicing his elaborate facial routine, Ryan Caviola prepares to perform his monologue. (Photo by Ryann Heinlen)
Practicing his elaborate facial routine, Ryan Caviola, junior, prepares to perform his monologue. (Photo by Ryann Heinlen)

Theater students from all over Southern Nevada will gather January 22 through January 24 to compete for the top available spots to attend the State Thespian Conference. Actors are given the option to compete in events such as contrasting monologues, group musical numbers, and costuming.

“Regionals [Conference] gives those actors who are stronger in some areas more than others the ability to show off their talents. The fact that they are given the chance to perform in front of industry professionals gives us that outside perspective,” Garrett DePaulis, junior, said.

Students will perform their selected events in front of three to four judges whose collective score will determine if they qualify for the state level competition. Each participant will be scored using the terms “accomplished,” “proficient,” “partially proficient,” and “not evident” determined by the average of the three best scores given by the judges.

“My favorite part of Regionals [Conference] is being able to see students from other schools perform,” Jasmine Stephens, Liberty senior, said. “Like the One Acts, we get to watch other schools put on plays and they get to put on a performance for a new audience.”

One act plays, referred to as the “One Acts”, are featured Thursday, Jan. 22. There will also be a special closing performance of the Addams Family Musical on that Saturday at 6 pm, available to the public for a small, unspecified donation. This donation will aid in the company’s transportation while on tour.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, Jan. 24, immediately before the Addams Family performance.