Twelve young thespians from Charles Henderson High School are set to hit the stage at a state competition at the end of the month.

“They worked very hard,” said teacher and Drama Club sponsor Michalyn Hinson. “I am very proud of them.”

The 12 students earned their place at the competition after being recognized at the Trumbauer District Festival.

Amber Taylor, Haylee Baggett, Kacie Gibbons and Lisa Baugh will compete in Dramatic Monologue; Hannah Scarbrough, Hannah Gordon and Ki’ousha Foster will compete in Comedic Monologue; Kendra Hampton will compete as a comedic female singer; Jocelyn Jointer will compete as a dramatic female singer; Jonathan Carswell will compete as a dramatic male singer; and Amber Taylor and Kris Jordan will compete in Reader’s Theater. Jonathan Carswell and Greyson Motes will also compete as a comedic duet after garnering the highest score at the district competition in their category for their original piece.

“Theater is fun because we all accept each other,” Baugh, a senior, said. “We can be different and express ourselves.”

Carswell, also a senior, said theater breaks down walls.

“You have no restrictions on who you are,” Carswell said.

The group is performing an ensemble piece on Nov. 19 during seventh period in order to raise money for the trip to the state competition. The cost to watch is $2 and community members can attend, Hinson said.