Maine Drama Festival regionals set for March 10, 11

The regionals of the 2023 Maine Drama Festival are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 10-11.

More than 1,300 students at 70 high schools all across the state are preparing for this festival, which is allowing spectators this year.

Schools will present plays ranging from the classics to student written pieces at eight regional competitions in Saco, Yarmouth, Skowhegan, Waldoboro, Rockport, Brewer, Millinocket and Bar Harbor. Schools compete in two classes: Class A, more than 500 students; and Class B, less than 500 students, according to a news release from Tom Heath, technology systems coordinator and Winter Play director with Camden Hills Regional High School.

The performance schedule and addresses for each of the regional sites are available on the Maine Drama Festival Facebook page. A list of regional winners and all awards issued will be posted on the Facebook page by the end of the day Sunday, March 12.

At each of the regional competitions, a panel of three judges will decide which performances advance to the state finals on Friday and Saturday, March 24-25. The finals for Class A will be held in the Williamson Performing Arts Center at Lawrence High School, 9 School St. in Fairfield. The finals for Class B will be held at Ellsworth High School, 24 Lejok St.

The outstanding performance at each state final will be invited to perform its show at the New England Drama Festival, held this year Thursday through Saturday, April 20-22, at Camden Hills Regional High School, 25 Keelson Drive in Rockport.

For more information, contact Heath at Tom.Heath@fivetowns.net or 207-236-7800, ext. 3389.