Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Kathy Siler of Payson High School’s drama department hopes students win the chance to perform the “Three Musketeers” in front of 2,000 drama students and teachers statewide.

“I think that our theater kids here at Payson High School are — what’s a simple, elegant way of saying it? They’re good. They’re really good at what they do. I want a lot more people to know it,” Siler said.

Ten schools have submitted their plays and the state thespian board will select two to perform at a November conference.

Winning would offer the kids a huge boost, Siler said.

She has set a $500 fund-raising goal to help pay for transportation costs, including a U-Haul to carry the set, if the kids win.

Payson previously won the chance to perform at the state conference in 2002 with “Phantom of the Soap Opera” and in 1998 with “Life on the Bowery.”

“Although it is a challenge, it’s very very exciting to be selected,” Siler said. “It reflects on not only the quality of our program, but of our kids as talents.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., the Longhorn Theatre Company will host a free preview performance play. Judges will evaluate that evening’s performance as part of the selection criteria for the state conference.

The show, which includes sword fighting, will open to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m., and run Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m., as well as Friday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. The play closes after the 7:30 p.m. performance, Saturday, Nov. 7. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens.