Central H.S. thespians compete in contest

Twenty-two Central High School students participated in a production of “Hamlet, Act III, Scene II” on March 12 at Hofstra University’s annual Shakespeare Festival.

The competition took place over the course of two days, with eight local high schools participating. Awards were given out for best actor, best actress, best ensemble, best costume design and best set design.

Three Valley Stream students took home awards: Isaac Cruz won best actor for his role as Hamlet; Isaiah Chan won best costume design; and Anastacia Pereira won best set design.

The entire cast included: Isaac Cruz, Zahra Jean, Sahrina Bullock, Kayla Brown, Annie Fitzgerald, Walter Alvarez, Morgan Hunter, Jasmine Wilkins, Jalani Johnson, Laura Fabian-Rojas, Veronica Hernandez, Candice Muir, Anastacia Pereira, Meka Bendahan, Briana Smith, Tychelle Jenkins, Riya Kaur, Erin Ford, Candace Powell, Pheonix Totesau-Johnson, Victoria Muir and Shadae Simpson.

David Henderson, chair of Hofstra’s department of drama and dance, said the experience is valuable for aspiring actors.

“They might think of pursuing drama, but interacting with our students and faculty gives them real insight on what it is like to study theater on the college level,” he said.

Hofstra professor James Kolb served as a judge. He praised all the students’ performances.

“I’ve been participating in the competition for more than 20 years,” he said, “and today was the best set of performances.”