Chelmsford Advances to Semifinal of Theater Competition

Chelmsford High School was one of just three schools out of eight to competitors to be selected to advance during a recent theater competition, and as a result will move on to the semifinal round.

The CHS Theater Guild, directed by Lauren Cochran, competed in the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild Drama Festival of One Acts over the weekend.

The judges were impressed by Chelmsford's thespians, selecting the locals as one of just three to advance to the semifinal round. The other two schools chosen were North Central Charter Essential School and Sharon High School.

But the honors did not stop there for Chelmsford.

Chelmsford Theater Guild was also recognized by the judges with four all-star awards, according to information provided by the school.

Christopher Torres, who played Edwin Booth, and Hannah Riffe, who performed as Molly Devlin, each received awards for their acting. Abigail Hirsch and her team received a set design award, while Emma Lovas and Jenifer Arnal received an all-star award for costume design, along with their fellow students who are referred to as "costume ninjas."

Next up for the local actors is the semifinal, which takes place at Brockton High School on March 15.

Competitors at the event include Brockton, Saugus, Amesbury, Joseph Case, and Notre Dame of Hingham.

Chelmsford students will be putting on a performance of Civil Blood, with curtain opening at 3 p.m. The two winners of each semifinal round advance to the state finals, which take place in Boston.