Twenty-four high school students from different public schools will represent the islands in theatrical events at the International Thespian Festival this June in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The students will be traveling to the U.S. after garnering enough medals to qualify for the regional competition and winning in their categories with a superior ranking among other public and private school students. The events range from monologue and duet acting to solo musical and group musical.

The Marianas High School Rhythm N Harmony will represent the islands for the seventh time in group musical with their coach Paul Dujua. The members include Joselle Reyes, Miguel Aninon, Rinisa Torres, Clarisse Torio, Grace Catalma, Malua Hosono, John Huevos, Diane Hermogenes, Eden Conner, Roland Balajadia, Leonard Manuel, Charley Sablan, Erica Tubera, Jordan Ocaya, and James Reyes.

Joselle Reyes, president of Rhythm N Harmony, always feels a rush of adrenaline whenever the group gets to represent the CNMI.

Reyes, a senior, says her only goal is to make this trip to Nebraska a memorable one for my newest members going on the trip for the very first time as well as for my veteran members who I will be sharing my last festival experience with.

Kagman High Schools Edson Valdisimo will be representing the islands in monologue; it will be his first time representing the islands at Thespian. Valdisimo hopes to learn different techniques to improve his performance skills and public speaking.

Kagman High Schools Elizabeth Rose Jones will represent the islands in solo musical. Marianas High School dominated the event, winning a majority of the events.

Deirdre Rosete and Myka Villegas will represent for duet acting.

Our goal is to further grow as actors and build up our experience in the performing arts. Villegas said. Deirdre and I are so thankful and glad for this opportunity, especially going there to perform together.

Thespian veteran Ariane Reyes will represent for theatre costume design. John Lu will represent scenic design. Patricia Padiernos and Keandre Deseo will present their film at the festival. Julia Espino will represent the islands for theater marketing.

Its an immense privilege to be a part of the CNMI team once again and competing against the students who will gather at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska, Espino said.

The International Thespian Festival is considered the largest theater festival in the nation. Thousands of high school students from around the globe take part in its diverse theater categories every year. (Yuuki Nishida, Student Reporter)

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24 to represent islands in int'l theater festival - Saipan Tribune