2/8/08--Several of the school’s most gifted actors and singers will showcase their talents at the Maryland High School Theatre Festival, hosted by Blake, today and tomorrow.

The state-wide festival features both competitions and workshops. The competition includes a number of categories including classical monologue, improvisation and song festival, just to name a few. Senior Johnny Weissgerber, who is entering his fourth year of festival, says, “It is a great opportunity to put your work out in a fair arena and see how it measured up to other kids.”

Senior Domenico Lane, who is competing in classical monologue, improvisation, and scene, shares the same mentality as Weissgerber. “It’s fun competing against people who are of the same caliber as you,” says Lane. “It is the most fun you can have in school without going to class.”

Senior Julia Pfanstiehl is performing two pieces for Song Festival, including a piece from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with junior Samantha Kramer and sophomore Jacob Perry Jr., as well as a duet with her cousin titled “Therapy” from Tick, Tick…BOOM!. “The two songs are very contrasting,” says Pfanstiehl. “In one piece I play a girl and in the other I play an older woman. It will help me discover different sides of my acting ability.”

Many students are also applying to become Maryland High School Theater All-State Artists. Applicants must submit a resume, recommendations and a personal statement in order to become a part of the distinguished group. Junior Justin Pereira, who was awarded membership to All-State last year, says, “They look for someone who is involved in different areas of theater.”

While most students are competing in multiple events, junior Graham Flessas is solely attending the workshops in hopes of broadening his acting horizons. “It will increase my ability to perform as a character on stage,” says Flessas.

Aside from the workshops, students are also able to gain insight through the performances of other schools. Many schools from around the state, including Rockville and Einstein, will be present at this year’s festival. “The festival exposes me to a lot of other talent,” says Pereira. “I can learn a lot from watching other people to pieces.”