MADISON –  Bob Jones theater students, the Patriot Players, are leaving Wednesday to represent the state at Southeastern Theatre Conference, or SETC, in Lexington, Ky. on March 1-5.

Judges at the state-level Walter Trumbauer Theatre Festival in December selected Bob Jones High School to represent Alabama. The honor came after Bob Jones’ cast and crew performed “Opening Night for the Diva” for their one-act play in the state-level competition against high schools from across the state.

The students are led by Bob Jones drama teacher and director Mary Davis. She handles the on-stage ensemble of actors, while her colleague Jesse Tilton mentors the ‘techies’ or technical crew.

“All 10 states represented at SETC send two shows,” Davis said. “At the SETC Secondary School Festival, we will be competing with 19 other plays — the very best that each state has to offer,” Davis said.

“Bob Jones is the last Alabama high school to have brought home the SETC win (2015), and we hope to repeat this incredible achievement in the spring,” Davis said. Bob Jones also is the only school in the Southeastern Theatre Conference to win “Best in Show” three times.

“With the hotel, bus and registration fees, the trip will cost each student $650. For the 50 students who will attend, that is $32,500. While it is an incredible honor to win, this is a daunting amount, and we have been fundraising a lot in order to afford this honor,” Davis said.

Along with other fundraising activities, Bob Jones will present one last performance at home tonight before heading out. “The performance will be an encore benefit showing of the winning one-act ‘Opening Night for the Diva’ tonight, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. — the day before we depart for SETC!” Davis said.

“We also have a LeanStream account set up through the Central Office for people who wish to donate or sponsor a student,” Davis said.

For more information on giving opportunities, email Davis at mdavis@madisoncity.k12.al.us.

SETC is in its 74th year of educating and judging high-school teams who have reached the pinnacle of success in their respective states. SETC in Lexington will gather on March 1-5.