Delaware All-State Theatre spotlights students' talent

Combine 81 of Delaware's best student actors, one of the greatest on-stage stories ever told and the state's classiest off-Broadway theatre and the results ought to be impressive.

And impressive is exactly what the directors of the Delaware All-State Theatre are going for, said Assistant Director Deb Johnson.

The Delaware All-State Theatre is a new program for elite student actors in the state designed to help them learn about theater and let them expand their talents, Johnson said.

More than 500 actors tried out for roles in the group's first performance, "Les Miserables," and the cast represents students of all backgrounds from 35 schools across Delaware, she said. The directors chose "Les Miserables" because the show features a strong ensemble and will challenge students of all ability levels, she said.

"Les Miserables," set in early 19-century France, is the story of Jean Valjean, a thief who spends 19 years in prison,  but seeks to redeem himself after his release by becoming a champion for the poor and oppressed while hiding from his own shameful past.

The actors, ranging in age from 10 to 18, will take to the stage for the inaugural performance later in June, but that performance is the culmination of weeks of grueling work, Johnson said.

Students have been rehearsing several days a week since the end of April and what separates the Delaware All-State Theatre from a traditional school play is the amount of perfection demanded by the directors, she said.

The group is designed to be as professional and challenging as a Broadway show so budding actors have a chance to show off their talents in an appropriate context, she said.

A showcase for student actors in Delaware is long overdue, said Alex Rigby, a Tatnall student who will play Gavroche in the show.

"It makes me feel great to know that I am one of the best in the state," he said. "If you love theater like I do, you have to do it. You feel it in yourself and you are committed, every step of the way."

Rigby, 12, a Greenville resident, said he has enjoyed working with the ensemble and watching the talents of other students in Delaware.

Working with other students is a lot of fun, but being involved in Delaware All-State Theatre takes a huge amount of dedication, said Matsy Stinson, a member of the ensemble.

Stinson, 16, of Greenville, has acted in community theater, but this performance is different because it involves many rehearsals and a demanding work schedule. It is worth all the work because "Les Miserables" is a great show, said Stinson, a student at the Mount Sophia Academy.

"'Les Miserables' is a moving story and it touches you," she said. "It makes you want to go out and build a barricade."

"Les Miserables" is an incredible show, and performing it in the DuPont Theatre, which has played host to actors like Henry Fonda and Audrey Hepburn, is an overwhelming experience, said Taylor Hollingsworth, a student at the Wilmington Christian School.

"I got butterflies when I walked into the theater," she said. "It is scary and exciting at the same time because I know I am good enough to be up there."

Hollingsworth, 12, of Hockessin, plays Young Cosette in the show and said the rehearsals have been beneficial because the lessons she has learned, like how to prepare for auditions, will be very useful later in life.

Rehearsals have also been beneficial for Sarah Biddle, because she said working with other student actors helped her become a better singer. The directors work the students hard, but they bring out the best in everyone, she said.

Biddle, 17, of Hockessin, said the Delaware All-State Theatre is a perfect opportunity to learn and perform with the best of the best.

"Nothing can top the rush that I get from being on stage, with the music, the lights and the applause," she said. "This is where I belong."