Wiscasset High School drama students have been working hard to prepare to compete in the annual One Act Festival.

This year, WHS will compete in the Regionals at Oceanside East High School in Rockland by performing "The Unknown Soldier" by Warren Frost.

The six-member cast (seniors Ridge Barnes, Katie-Lyn Mills and Jasmine Smith; junior Samantha Arsenault; and freshman Ryan Medina) will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 6.

This year drama coach Jean Phillips will be trying something new: a student will be directing the play.

Senior Charlene Reed, who has been a part of WHS drama for the past four years, asked Phillips in December if she could have a chance to direct. Although Phillips loves to direct, she realized that the One Acts Festival is all about the students, and is giving Reed a shot at directing. More and more aspects of the performance are being turned over to the students.

Also new this year will be a set designed by students. Two groups of students (Maeve Blodgett, Sarah Foley and Nick Simmons) and (Kobe Carrier, Noah Peaslee and Skyler Stickney) have created aspects of the set design that will be incorporated.

Freshman Ryan Medina is designing the lights and sophomore Skyler Stickney has designed the costumes. All the students involved have also been constructing, painting and erecting the set.

“I find it hard to relinquish control because I want this show to be the very best, but I know that the students have more buy-in and are learning so much more this way," said Phillips. "I also know that they are working harder to create a show they can be proud of. I am very impressed by their camaraderie and their spirit. I am so grateful to them for rising to the challenge.”

This year WHS drama will compete against Boothbay Region High School, Lincoln Academy, North Haven Community School and Vinalhaven High School.