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Students head to ENMU for drama workshops

PORTALES — High school students from around New Mexico will flock to the Eastern New Mexico University campus this week for three days of drama performances and workshops.

The 65th annual ENMU Drama Festival will go from Wednesday to Friday, bringing hundreds of students to the ENMU campus.

The visiting students will be performing their own plays and receiving critiques and advice from ENMU students and staff. Between performances there will also be various workshops for students to learn more about film, acting and relevant skills.

The event is co-organized by ENMU students Marianna Medina and Sarah Koss.

Koss said one of her major focuses this year was to get more film workshops in the festival.

“It’s half of our department and something our students are getting interested in,” Koss said. “It’s a couple of days dedicated to something these students are interested in and I think that’s important to have at the high school level.”

Medina said it’s also a unique opportunity for students interested in drama and film to reach out and network with others from across the state.

“It brings in high school students from across the state and they have the opportunity to bring their own play,” Medina said. “Our college students then respond, give them notes and talk to them about it. When there aren’t plays going we have our students doing workshops and it’s a great way to make connections.”

This year’s keynote speaker will be Michelle Tomlinson, an ENMU alumni who graduated in 2000 before moving to Los Angeles to begin working on independent films. Since then she’s worked on over 50 projects, filling roles in production, casting, teaching other actors and more. She’s also done work producing and directing her own material in recent years.

Tomlinson hopes sharing her experiences will help attending students find the path they want to take in the industry, as well as give her an opportunity to share some vital life management skills she learned to succeed in that career path.

“I was born and raised in New Mexico and now to come home to bring some practical knowledge and my work to talk with students and faculty about things outside that setting is pretty awesome,” Tomlinson said. “I think it’s important to give back to the community that feeds you.”

Other events at this year’s festival include showings of ENMU student films Wednesday night, opening night for ENMU’s production of “The Tempest” on Thursday and dance party for the visiting students Friday night.

“It’s just meant to be a fun time where students can get together, network and celebrate theater,” said Jonathan Barr, the ENMU faculty advisor for the event. “It’s a chance for them to get excited about their craft.”

Information: 575-562-2711

 
 
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