Over 40 Midcoast students, in grades 3-8, from Georgetown to Waldoboro and South Bristol to Whitefield, are spending their January afternoons rehearsing in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy, in Heartwood Theater’s third annual Winter Drama Adventure.

The cast includes many returning students – some for a third year – while the new students on the scene this year, have increased the geographical span of this program.

For these young thespians, it's an intense time of learning and discovery, rehearsing and performing in a theater setting — complete with technical elements — with new friends from 11 different schools. A love for theater grows. The thrill of live performance is shared. New friendships are formed.

This year’s production team presents a trio of folk tales from the 1889 collections of Andrew Lang entitled “The Blue Fairy Book.”

“The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” “The Brave Little Tailor” and “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” are performed ensemble style, with casts of about 12, who weave dance, mime and music, including percussion; shadow effects and scene work in a fast paced, highly physical presentation.

The previous Winter Drama Adventures productions were “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2014) and “The Neverending Story” (2015).

Under the direction of Griff Braley and Heidi Kopishke, students will also enjoy learning with guest artist Karen Montanaro.

Montanaro’s connection to Heartwood over the last decade has challenged and inspired many students, as she teaches her energetic and popular combination of mime and dance (www.mimedance.com).

The primary emphasis is - as always – ensemble. Within this paradigm, individual performances can rise, as students command the entire stage with their characters, voices and physical movement.

As Braley notes, “This type of work is instrumental in developing strong performance skills. We focus specifically on identifying and expanding the work that each student brings to rehearsal. For students who hope to continue in theater, ensemble work is essential. And for all students – the lessons learned have strong life applications.

Students will shape these three productions over three weeks of rehearsals, in preparation for six performances – three school day shows in the Poe Theater on Jan. 28 and 29.

The three public performances at the Poe Theater will be on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 30 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5/students and $8/adults. Reservations strongly suggested.

Tickets available through Heartwood: 207-563-1373, info@heartwoodtheater.org and on its website, www.heartwoodtheater.org.

The Poe Theater is located at 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle.