Darius J. Manuel to Compete in NSAL National Drama Competition

Darius J. Manuel dazzled the judges at the NSAL Florida East Coast Drama Competition held recently at The Crest Theatre at Old School Square. Darius won the $2,000 first prize and an all-expense paid trip to compete at the NSAL National Drama Competition in Washington, D.C. Manuel lives in Lauderhill and is the Teaching Artist/Director of the Florida Children's Theatre in Fort Lauderdale.

"I am honored to have won this competition," said Manuel. "And I am thrilled to have the support of the incredible NSAL mentors who will be helping me prepare for Nationals."

Manuel is graduate of Dillard High School and the University of The Arts in Philadelphia. He won this chapter competition with two inspired monologues; Aaron from Titus Andronicus and Troy from Fences. The second prize was awarded to Jared Neil, who is attending Lynn University in Boca Raton. And third prize was awarded to Joshua Hernandez from Miami.

"We had a stellar array of competitors and are extremely proud of all of them. The process of performing in front of our judges and receiving their critique is an invaluable experience as they move forward with their careers," said Judi Asselta, President of the NSAL Florida East Coast Chapter.

The young actors were judged by an esteemed panel including actors Jeffrey Bruce and Barbara Bradshaw and the co-founder of Palm Beach Dramaworks, Sue Ellen Beryl. The judges will be working with Manuel to hone his performance for the national competition which will be held May 31-June 2, 2019.

"We are thrilled that Darius will be representing us in Washington. He has a tremendous stage presence and impressed everyone with his dynamic personality," said Joy Banton, event co-chair.

The National Society of Arts and Letters has discovered an array of stars including actress Shirley MacLaine, opera singer Jessye Norman, Broadway great Megan Hilty. The Florida East Coast Chapter offers scholarships and competitions to local emerging artists providing financial support, mentoring and competitions. The local chapter has helped numerous students achieve recognition on national and international stages, including Fort Lauderdale native Nadine Sierra, who won the local competitions in voice and is now one of the world's most acclaimed opera stars.

For more information, www.nsalfloridaeast.org