Barrington High School theater students woke up early Saturday morning to head back to school to get critiqued and gain some tips from professional actors in the business.

Stephanie Spaziano, theater director at Barrington High School, invited professional actors Connie Crawford, Mike Koutrobis and Mark Peckham to school to critique the students' performance of "The Crucible."

Ms. Spaziano invited Coventry High School students to participate in the event, as well. The students performed "Sightings," and received feedback from the judges.

There were about 50 students there Saturday morning.

"The judges kept it on a positive note," said student Chris Caisse. "It was a big confidence booster."

Ms. Spaziano said the goal of the event was to celebrate both schools' performances and the students' hard work.

"We wanted them to get a chance to appreciate each other, rather than compete with each other," she said.

Later that day, the two schools participated in educational workshops led by professionals. One of the workshops taught students how to audition for television roles.

Freshman Dana Ouellet said the workshop was a real eye-opener for her.

"The crucible was my first big performance, so I had no idea what an audition would be like," she said. "I want to be an actress someday and the workshop taught me I can do it."

Kelly DeSisto is a senior at Barrington High School. She said the workshop was especially helpful to her because graduation is right around the corner.

"The workshop gave me an idea about how to pursue acting once I get out of high school," she said. "I got a lot of good tips, like always carry your head shot and resume. You never know who you're going to meet."

Students also participated in a stage combat workshop led by Chris Perotti, who has taught stage combat workshops and choreographed theatrical productions at All Children's Theatre and Trinity Repertory Company in Providence. He most recently choreographed "The True Story of Troy" for the History Channel.

Liz Townsend said she learned how to fake a punch and pull hair and noses and ears on stage, and make it look like it hurts.

"The whole thing was a lot of fun," she said. "Very well done. We learned a lot."

Ms. Spaziano said she would like to host the event again, but this time invite more schools to participate.

By Kim Centazzo

kcentazzo@eastbaynewspapers.com