WESTFORD — Westford Academy Theater Arts is moving on in the statewide Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild High School Drama Festival after its production of “Chamber Music” was named a preliminary round winner on Feb. 28.
The company competed at Middleborough High School, one of 13 preliminary sites across Massachusetts. With the win, Westford Academy advances to the semi-final round March 14. State Finals will be held March 26 to 28.
The annual festival is organized by the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild, which supports more than 150 middle and high schools across the Commonwealth.
Today, METG engages more than 5,000 students and teachers statewide and hosts a range of programs, including statewide festivals, scholarships, workshops and performance competitions.
The Massachusetts High School Drama Festival features more than 100 one-act plays each year and includes three levels: preliminary, semi-final and state finals. Up to 15 productions are selected as state finalists, with three being named winners.
WA’s entry, “Chamber Music,” is a 1962 absurdist play by Arthur Kopit. Set in a women’s mental institution, the dark comedy explores themes of power, patriarchy, marginalization and status.
Director Michael Towers said the play was chosen first and foremost because it suited the strengths of the student actors but also because it was relevant.
“It provided the right opportunities for my students,” Towers said.
Festival rules are strict. Each production must run no longer than 40 minutes and exceeding the limit by even one second results in disqualification. Schools also have five minutes to assemble their set and five minutes to strike it.
WA began preparing in mid-December, analyzing and shaping the script to meet time requirements and competition guidelines.
This year’s production involves 59 students, including cast and crew. Known for its large-scale productions, the program transported its set in a 26-foot truck to Middleborough.
Just 48 hours before the competition, however, the company learned it would perform at a different site than originally scheduled. Students had prepared for weeks for a different stage configuration.
“They saw the space for the first time in real time on Saturday,” Towers said, “Our technicians and designers who were able to adapt on the fly and seamlessly build a beautiful world in a space that they really didn’t have the opportunity to prepare for.”
However, WA still came out on top, advancing to the next round. In addition to being named a preliminary winner, five Westford students were recognized individually and named to the All-Star Company.
Viktoria Kariuki earned excellence in acting for her portrayal of the Woman in Safari Outfit. Erin Goucher received excellence in acting for her role as the Woman in Aviatrix’s Outfit. Hayden Pelta and Tyler Pelta were honored for excellence in technical theater for lighting design, and Xander Holway was recognized for excellence in technical theater for stage management.
Towers said one of the festival’s defining qualities is its atmosphere of support.
“You’ve got a room full of high school theater artists and they rally around each other,” Towers said, “When greatness is achieved, in this high school theater competition, there’s a lot of support.”
As they prepare for the semi-finals on March 14, the focus remains on refinement and growth.
“Chamber Music” will be performed at Westford Academy on March 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.
