ROCKPORT — As the Oceanside High School cast gathered for warm-ups before a performance at the Class A Maine State Drama Festival, their director passed a question around the room. "What line speaks to you today?" Each actor responded with a line from the play, using expression and feeling. The energy in the room grew.

I wasted no time in stealing her idea (thanks Alison) and asking myself, as I photographed the festival, what did each play say to me? Unlike the judges at this competition, I wasn't charged with scoring or evaluating anything. My comments make no knowledgeable references to scripts, quotes or awards.

Information like that is readily available from people who actually know something about drama, and from the press, and the Maine Drama Council. I brought nothing to the exercise other than extensive experience in photographing performing arts and the ability to eavesdrop and observe.

To read Marti’s full blog and view all her photos, click here.

Additional photos are here.