This will be the first time Parkes High School has been represented in dramatic arts at this level and drama teacher Patsy Hill could not be happier.

“This really is a step up for these students,” Mrs Hill said.

The 2010 NSW Public Schools State Drama Camp began on Sunday and finish up on Thursday.

Ashlee and Kadin, along with Year 11 drama students from all over NSW, are undergoing intensive training and workshops which culminate in them being part of a group performance.

Only three students per school are selected and to qualify, students need to have an extensive performance CV.

Ashlee and Kadin were accepted after they achieved highly at the Western Region drama workshop.

While the camp offers a great opportunity for young actors to learn their craft, its aim is to provide students and staff with drama experience to build upon and extend skills offered by their school and region.

The program will cover all major aspects of drama, from characterisation and circus skills/clowning to writing for theatre and voice skills.

It will also include sessions by tutors from the performing arts industry.

This year students will attend professional theatre performances, such as “West Side Story” at the Lyric Theatre and “Just Macbeth” by the Bell Shakespeare Company at the Playhouse Theatre at the Opera House.

While Kadin felt quite relaxed in the days leading up to the camp, Ashlee, couldn’t hold back her enthusiasm, saying she was really looking forward to the new experience.