Central H.S. junior serves as theater advocate

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A Central High School junior with a passion for the performing arts is serving as an advocate for school theater programs in New York.

Abiezer Regino was elected as a New York State Thespian Officer, a position with which he works to fulfill the missions of the New York Thespians, International Thespian Society and Educational Theater Association, according to the Valley Stream Central High School District. Regino is one of seven officers, most of who are from Long Island and Queens.

He attended the New York State Thespian Festival last year, where he expressed interest in volunteering. Regino now meets monthly with his fellow officers to discuss events and ideas for improving educational theater. The group’s activities include raising funds for schools whose theater programs are in need. They are currently planning this year’s state festival.

The position sent Regino to the Broadway Back to School benefit in Manhattan on Sept. 20, which supported the International Thespian Society’s efforts to provide theater arts education for underserved students and schools.

Regino’s involvement in school theater and music started in the eighth grade, when he performed in shows at Memorial Junior High School. He had a part in Central’s Brothers Grimm “Spectaculathon” drama production and performed in the school’s dance concert. He is a member of the International Thespian Honor Society, chorus, band and jazz band as a vocalist and trombonist.