The students left Saipan with their coaches on June 19 and were back on island on the 30th.
This year’s thespian representatives were Rochelle Dimapilis, Rozette Bunao, Kevin Jardinero, Annabel Manzo, Amy Liu, Adeleyah Mojica, Dowen Jocsen, Christine Aninzo, Jackilyn Rafols, Wilden Mangahis, Maria Castro, Ann Mariel Flores, Matt Wheat, Jenella Nelmida and Miki Nadia Dela Cruz.
In an e-mail, Jane Mack, board member of the Thespians of the Western Pacific Islands, said the CNMI students performed in individual events where they were given written comments and suggestions to help them improve their future performances.
The thespians performed “Pullman Car Hiawatha” at the festival.
Asian Journal playwright and journalist Elgin Zulueta interviewed the CNMI thespians and also met and got praises from representatives of Samuel French, a playwriting and publishing company who watched their performance.
Mack said the CNMI high school juniors also went to college auditions.
“College auditions were nerve racking. I was the first one to go up in front of 20-plus college representatives,” Jocsen said.
The thespians received callbacks from different colleges and universities who are now recruiting them.
Mack said Bunao received 22 callbacks in technical theatre while Jardinero was selected to work as an assistant in filming during the festival.
The coaches who accompanied the thespians — Harold Easton, Wesley Foster, Jonel Alepuyo, Sibylla Guerrero, Kathy Barja, Tina Foster and Allison Walker — also attended workshops on the actor’s toolkit, mime, grant-writing for the arts, student-centered theatre instruction and stage make-up.
Guerrero earlier told the Variety that the trip was a big opportunity for the local thespians to learn everything they could on acting.
The students got the chance to witness the flying effects show by ZFX Flying and how it was integrated in shows on stage.
CNMI thespian Nelmida got a firsthand experience to fly across the stage.
The thespians also visited the Natural History Museum, the Nebraska State Capitol, Ramada Inn, college dormitories on the university campus, restaurants and malls.
For the 15 thespians, the trip was a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences where they met many people and were presented new, exciting and mind-opening workshops to enrich their knowledge for future performances.
“The thespians extend their thanks to their coaches, the Public School System, and all who made it possible for them to get a glimpse of how many doors can be opened with their talent, dedication, and hard-work,” Mack said.
