January 13, 2005

Teen thespians return for
annual high school drama-fest

California State University, Sacramento will play host to one of the largest high school drama events of its kind for the 49th year when the 2005 Lenaea Festival opens Jan. 28. More than 1,000 high school students are expected to participate in plays, monologues and duets during the three-day, award winning festival at venues throughout the University.

The student performances are critiqued by Sacramento State professors and other acting professionals to assist the budding young actors with the development of their craft. All participants are eligible to apply for the Robert S. Smart Lenaea Scholarship, named after the Sacramento State professor who founded the festival. Festival events run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28; 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 and from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30. In lieu of an awards ceremony this year, the festival will instead hold command performances from the top-scoring groups in each category.

The Lenaea Festival

The festival, which hosted 64 high schools last year, is named after the ancient Greek theatrical celebration of the god Dionysus. This year the festival will feature 11 new workshops, three of which will taught by Jack Lynn, who has been a prominent figure in theater for the past 60 years. Lynn has worked with such talents as Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, Anthony Hopkins and John Gielgud.

Festival performances are open to the public, and $10 day and $15 weekend passes are available at the door. For more information, call (916) 278-6702. Media assistance is available from public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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