On December 13, the new PIHS Competition Play season officially began with the open audition for this year’s production, “The Mary Celeste” in the auditorium. Both experienced thespians and newcomers showed up to flex their performing skills to Competition Play director Mr. Powers and assistant director Mr. Graham. 

The play this year is based on one of the most baffling disappearance cases in history, the tale of the inhabitants of the ship Mary Celeste, who was found drifting and empty with food on the table and no sign of trouble is told.

“This year’s Comp Play has two major changes,” said Mr. Powers, “FIrst, we’re stepping out of our comfort zone by choosing a thriller/horror play, which is something we’ve never done before.” In terms of the Maine Regional High School Drama Festival that the cast and crew will compete at in four months, Mr. Powers explained the new arrangement: “We’re finally being moved from Class A to B, which means we have a bigger chance of winning, because we’re competing with schools that have similar class size and budget as us.”  

Freshman Vincent Langworthy ’27 signed up for set crew after his first taste of high school theater as Jack Scott in “High School Musical” this fall. Upon joining Comp Play, Vincent said, ”Though I’ve done set crew for middle school plays, I’m still somewhat nervous about this one.” 

The cast list can now be found the theater bulletin board next to the auditorium entrance. It’s also posted on the PIHShipmates social media account. The crew is expected to bring their first performance in public by the end of February, 2024.