All the world was a stage at this year's Speech Arts and Drama Festival as the number of participants soared.
The festival, now in its 34th year, brought out many performances from local schools who showcased their skills in acting, speech and recitation.
"The number of performances rose from last year's 168 to 300 performances this year," said Carol Joy Green, spokesperson for the organizing committee.
"This is due to a number of reasons. Cedars Christian School participated this year and they did so well. The school had 46 separate entries in the festival. Almost every school was there. Also, there was an influx of four to six year olds who had many pieces to perform. They required a second adjudicator and a separate day. It's so exciting to see new schools with such a large part of the student body participate," said Green.
Cedars principal Curtis Tuininga was thrilled with the results.
"The adjudicator was very positive about all of them," Tuininga said.
The Grade 7 class won first place in the large group choral speaking category with an honors plus result.
A group of four, three from Grade 6 and one from Grade 4, won first place with honors in the under 11 small group poetry recital.
This is the first time Grade 3 teacher, Heather Fisher at Cedars Christian School participated.
"I really wanted to take part this year. To see these kids memorize and bring a poem to life on stage at Grade 3 is amazing. It gives them such confidence and life experience."
The festival, which was held at UNBC from April 29 to May 4, showed off the many talents from first time performers to those well seasoned in taking to the stage.
"Speaking in front of an audience helps kids gain confidence and better equips them to communicate," Green said. "University students need to have the ability to communicate more these days. If you can memorize a poem and learn diction at a young age, it will affect your reading skills and abilities in public speaking later on."
Green teaches speech and drama and she herself has seen the many positive effects that preparing for the festival has had on her students.
"Something like learning Shakespeare has brought out a love of literature in some students. The self confidence they gain is phenomenal. A mother told me that her daughter's self confidence has shot up and her reading has increased too. It really can make a difference," Green said.
A Speech Arts Festival Gala will be held at UNBC's Weldwood Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday in celebration of all the performer's achievements. Some of the top performers will be highlighted.
"It's so great to see all these schools participate," Green said. "The word is getting out."
