Actors and writers may agree that it's difficult to tell a story in about 20 minutes, but for several groups of young actors taking the stage today, that fact can make the stakes of today's competition even steeper.

Catherine Ross sat in on the Region 8 Drama Contest today and brings us the best of the stage.

The competition is stiff at Minot State University, as high school teams act their hearts out for a chance at top honors

(Levi Anderson / Velva High School Senior) "It gets harder sometimes, knowing how much emotion you have to put into it, but I really enjoy acting a lot, because I think deep down everyone likes being someone they're not for a little bit of time." But in just one act, these players manage to throw in a lot of drama: Velva's storyline includes themes of domestic violence, poverty, and the consequences of drunk driving

(Sloane Peterson / Velva High School Senior) "We thought it was a very powerful play and we thought it would do very well in this competition. We wanted to show the struggles that everyone can go through." And although they say the message of the play is important, these actors are also conscious of the fact that they're being watched by a few critical eyes

(Sloane Peterson / Velva High School Senior) "How well I talk, how well I express myself, you have to not turn your back to the audience, use the stage..." (Levi Anderson / Velva High School Senior) "You always think in the back of your mind, this is a competition we're competing for this, but at the same time, you can't let that get to you." But, of course, Anderson still has his eyes on the prize

(Levi Anderson / Velva High School Senior) "Our best case scenario is we want to win. We really do. We've worked really hard on this." So whether that had work pays off for Velva or for one of the other casts, there won't be any lack of theatrics until the final curtain call tonight...In Minot, Catherine Ross, KX News.

Last year was the first year Velva participated in the competition.

Nine teams from around the area competed today at Aleshire Theatre and Glenburn was the region champion. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list