Drama students from around Taranaki will be treading the boards in Shakespeare's plays at the TET Kings Theatre next month.
The annual Sheilah Winn Shakespeare regional competition will take place at the historic theatre, giving participants the opportunity to perform in a working theatre instead of the usual school hall, says organiser Emma Walker.
Emma, who is the arts coordinator and drama teacher at Stratford High School, says it is her first year organising the festival, and she is enjoying the experience.
"I have worked closely with Jo Stallard from the Stratford District Theatre Trust. This year, the festival will be held at the Theatre instead of Stratford High School, providing students with the fantastic opportunity to perform on the stage within a working theatre."
Both Stratford High School and Taranaki Diocesan School have entries in this year's festival, as do New Plymouth Girls School, Sacred Heart and Spotswood.