THE islands’ thespian, speech and debate students on Tuesday evening gave the public a sneak preview of their performances when they compete in the National Speech & Debate Association Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky from June 12 to 17, and at the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana from June 20 to 24.
Grace Christian Academy hosted the Thespian and Speech & Debate showcase in the school auditorium at 6 p.m. on June 7, 2022.
The CNMI’s representatives to the NSDA tournament are scheduled to leave Thursday, June 9, for Louisville, Kentucky while the CNMI thespians are departing on Thursday, June 16, for Bloomington, Indiana.
The CNMI competitors in the NSDA tournament, which will be hosted by the University of Louisville, are Marianas High School’s Si Jin Cheng who will participate in the Lincoln-Douglas debate; Juliet Inocencio, poetry reading; Mylan Goodwin and Anastasia Shamaneva, public forum debate; James Keaton, commentary; Hannah Lim, storytelling; Sydney Lim, prose reading; Vivien Liu, U.S. extemporaneous speaking; Jonathan Wolf, humorous interpretation; Lars Anthony Wolf and Dane Hodges, duo interpretation; GCA’s Tae Hee Kim, dramatic interpretation; Mount Carmel School’s Gillian Mallari, original oratory; Saipan International School’s Jesus “Jessie” Sablan, expository speech; and Somei Sablan, prose reading.
Those who will compete in the International Thespian Festival are Green Meadow School’s Isabella Mallari and Nicole Acaba, duet acting; Francisco Sablan Middle School’s Aubrey Tabenas, monologue; Hopwood Middle School’s Joshua Cabadu-an, solo music; Lurlene Odal and Princess Rigua, duet musical; MHS’s Vivien Liu, scenic design contest; Jonathan Wolf, monologue; Patricia Castillon and Christian Troy Rosimo, short film; and Lars Anthony Wolf, short film animation.
Also witnessing the performances at GCA on Tuesday were Junior International Thespian Society and ITS coaches Lorelisa Espiritu of GMS, Maria Mettao of FMS, Jesse Sablan of HMS, NSDA Western Pacific Region Board President and Troupe Director Harold Easton of MHS, NSDA & ITS Western Pacific Region Secretary Kristine Wolf, NSDA coaches Criselda Aldan of MCS, Derek Culp of SIS and Grace Duran of GCA.
In an interview, Easton said many of the CNMI representatives are experienced competitors. “I think they are going to do the job,” he added.
The CNMI representatives to the 2022 National Speech & Debate and International Thespian Festival pose for a photo with their coaches after performing in the Grace Christian Academy auditorium on Tuesday.
Marianas High School’s Dane Hodges, left, and Lars Anthony Wolf perform a duo interpretation.
Marianas High School’s Jonathan Wolf performs a humorous interpretation piece in the Grace Christian Academy auditorium on Tuesday.
Marianas High School’s Jonathan Wolf performs a humorous interpretation piece in the Grace Christian Academy auditorium on Tuesday.
