Jefferson Forest High School was the runner-up at the Virginia High School League Group AA State Theatre festival on Monday.
The students performed "The Rimers of Eldritch."
Also, Peter Feagans and Caitlyn Leach were named to the All-State Cast.
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Original story from November 28
There's a lot of high emotion playing out in the auditorium at Jefferson Forest High School.
Students are using all their energy to practice for what could be the biggest show of their young acting careers.
"It's a really great feeling to know that we've worked so hard and we're finally going to state's," said actor, Grace Parker.
Members of the third period acting class are getting ready for the Virginia High School League State Theatre Festival. It's the state championship for acting.
"It feels great," said actor, Brooks Sharrett. "It's definitely something that I never really thought was going to be possible."
There's a reason they had doubts. Most of the actors in this group are brand new to stage work.
On top of that, their director gave them some tough material to work with.
"I heard one of the kids say it was slow going at first, and it was," said Spence White, teacher and director. "I don't think they felt like they could do it."
They're performing a play called "The Rimers of Eldritch." It's a dark story that ends with a killing.
"The content of it is definitely meant for a more mature audience," Sharrett said.
The actors have been preparing for months. Just like the athletes at their school, they've been practicing since August.
"We just practice it for 55 minutes a day, five days a week at school," said Sharrett. "That's what we've done this whole entire time and it's worked pretty well."
Well enough to win both district and regional titles.
"It's definitely exciting and it's something we've never done here," said actor, Peter Feagans.
And even if they don't take home the big prize...
"It's just a really special experience that I don't think any of us are going to forget," said Sharrett.
The Virginia High School League State Theatre Festival is Monday in Charlottesville.
