MADISON – Students in theatre at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools qualified to represent this district and will compete at the state level for Walter Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival.

In preparation for the state Trumbauer festival and to raise funds for trip expenses, Bob Jones actors and technical crew will present a special showing of their one-act play, “Opening Night for the Diva,” by Jesse Tilton on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in Zompa Auditorium.

Tilton, who teaches theatre classes at Bob Jones, wrote the play and is helping direct. Tilton described his play in an interview with “Patriot Pages”: “Talking pictures are all the rage in 1928, but The Diva is rehearsing her artistic comeback for the theatrical stage – if she can only get some rest.”

“With the help of her personal assistant Elsie, they bring in a friend to pose as The Diva just as word gets out that a celebrity is in town. The mayor, talent agents, gangsters and more want to see a preview of the show when Elsie discovers The Diva is dead . . . but the show must go on!” Tilton said.

The audience will enjoy award-winning aspects from district competition: “Best in Show,” “Best Scenic Design” and four students (Marcello Mancusi, Harley Dauma, Dylan Henry and Saige Keck) selected for the “All-Star Cast.”

“I’m so proud of our Patriot Players,” Director and drama instructor Mary Davis said. “We took 117 individual events to district, and 100 received superior and the other 17 an excellent ranking. Most superiors will advance to state.”

“You don’t want to miss this opportunity to see the original one-act performance of ‘Opening Night for the Diva.’ Come support the Patriot Players as we prepare to go to the Trumbauer State Drama Competition,” Davis said.

Tickets available at the event cost $5 for students and $8 for adults. “All proceeds from this special showing will help to offset the costs of traveling with our show and for scholarships,” Davis said.

Walter Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival will be held on Dec. 2 and 3 at Troy University. Close to 300 students and teachers will attend the state contest for Bob Jones’ and James Clemens’ one-act and individual events or IEs.

For more information or ways to donate, email Davis at mdavis@madisoncity.k12.al.us.