STATEWIDE — This coming weekend, students from 18 high schools will be competing for the State Championship of the 82nd annual Maine Drama Festival.

On March 8-9, at nine regional competitions across the state, 72 schools presented plays ranging from the classics to original student-written plays. At each of the regional competitions, a panel of three judges chose top performances that received the right to compete in the State Finals on March 22-23. The Class A finals will be held at Camden Hills Regional High School and Class B will be held at Freeport High School. The outstanding performance at each State Final will be nominated by the judges to participate in the New England Drama Festival (April 17-19 in Woonsocket, R.I.)

Tickets are $8 adults/$5 students and are available at the door. All proceeds benefit the Maine Principals' Association.

Schedule of performances:

Class A State Finals - Camden Hills Regional High School

6 p.m. Friday, March 22

Thornton Academy

Belfast "The Greek Mythology of Olympiaganza"

Morse "STR8-2VID3O"

Noon Saturday, March 23

Bangor "Hush Little Celia"

Fryeburg "Private Live"

Westbrook "Zen Substitute"

5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23

Skowhegan

Falmouth "39 Steps"

Oceanside "Twelfth Night"

Class B State Finals - Freeport High School

6 p.m. Friday, March 22

Greater Portland Christian "The Borthers Grimm Spectaculathon"

Hermon "The Complete History of America (abridged)"

Mount Desert "Interview: A Fugue for Eight Actors"

11 a.m. Saturday, March 23

Waynflete "Twelfth Night"

Lincoln Academy "Silk Cove"

Catherine McAuley "The Sparrow"

Madison "Conflict"

6:45 p.m. Saturday, March 23

Yarmouth "The Secret in the Wings"

Fort Kent "Prelude to a Kiss"

For more information:

Contact MDF Coordinators:

Rick Ash

ashchrhs@gmail.com

or Robin Lisherness

rlisherness@gmail.com

Resources:

The Maine Drama Council website (site assignments, script selections, performance schedules)

www.mainedramacouncil.com

MainePrincipals’ Association website

http://www.mpa.cc/interscholastic-activities-committees/drama.html

History of the MDF

http://www.fivetowns.net/subsites/StromAud/MDC/Festhistory.html

Festival rules and regulations

http://www.mpa.cc/drama/drama-guidelines/rulebook.html

More Festival information

http://www.fivetowns.net/subsites/StromAud/MDC/Festivalhome.html

The complete results should be posted on the MDC website, Sunday, March 24