Friday Harbor High School’s drama students and their outstanding performances at thespian festivals this year, according to Lindsey Saairee, Friday Harbor English and drama teacher.

At the high school competition in early January, senior Kira Clark and junior Alison Power received superior ratings, qualifying them for nationals. Clark was recognized for her monologues, while Power was recognized for her solo musical theater performance.

Six other students earned excellent ratings, which will be recognized at the state level. These included a group acting performance, solo musical theater and playwriting.

The Junior Thespians also had an amazing showing at the Jr. Festival in Redmond in late January. Of the 11 students who performed — many in multiple categories — five qualified for nationals and will perform at the Jr. Festival in Renton on Saturday, Feb. 8, while six will be recognized for their excellent ratings.

The qualification and recognition system can be a bit complex, but in essence, our young actors and artists are pushing themselves, demonstrating incredible bravery and dedication, and receiving well-deserved recognition for their talent and hard work.

“We couldn’t be prouder!” Saairee said. “Looking ahead, we’ll be taking our high school troupe to Seattle in March for the state festival, where we plan to perform a 60-minute cutting of Romeo and Juliet.”

The following week, stay tuned when middle school students will take the stage. Saairee said the middle school performance this year will be the musical “Frankie Builds Androids,” which will take place at the Community Theatre.

“In June, we will travel to Indiana for the International Thespian Festival, a full week of performances and workshops for students and teachers from across the country to learn, grow, network, and enjoy this amazing art form we all love so much!” Saairee said. “We would love for the community to celebrate these achievements with us!”

For those who would like to support these up-and-coming thespians, checks may be written to the San Juan Community Theatre with “Thespians” written in the memo line. Keep an eye out for bake sales and other fundraising events the troupe holds throughout the year. One bake sale will be held March 1 in front of Friday Harbor Drug.

“We usually start at 9 a.m. and run until we sell out,” Saairee said.