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WINSTON-SALEM – More than 300 high school students will get a taste of all things theatrical this weekend at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

The North Carolina Thespian Festival features a showcase of plays, workshops and some challenges, like one for kids fond of the behind-the-scenes aspects.

"They get to share their talent, their enthusiasm and to learn things as well," Robert Beseda, UNCSA's assistant dean of drama, said.

Friday, students raced to set up lights, clear props, change costumes and set up sound equipment.

"I did the sound and I liked that a lot. It was interesting to learn where the cables go and stuff. It was a unique experience, and I liked it," Southeast Raleigh Magnet student Stephen Fodarsi said.

The School of the Arts has played host to the Thespian Festival for around 20 years, bringing in students from all across the state.

"I think our farthest troupe from the east this year is from Lejuene, and then I believe that Brevard, Mitchell County and Asheville are the farthest west troupes," C.J. Breland, from the N.C. Educational Theater Association, said.

"It's very interesting to see other schools even perform because most of the time we don't get to see other schools perform because you're doing a performance yourself. So it's just awesome to be here with all of these schools from all over the state," Patrick Clanton, from Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, said.

And the lessons learned this weekend will prove to be valuable when these students take the stage again.

"They come here and they get to specialize in things that they're really interested in taught by professionals," Breland said.

Troupes who earn high ratings during the competition portion of the weekend will go on to the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska this summer.