The false moustache, beard and bushy sideburns that he glued to his face helped Ben Carignan, a John Stark Regional High School student, transform his appearance to that of Crutch Collins, a man living in Gray, Ind., in 1892.

Carignan, 17, and other members of his school’s drama club, brought their production of the play “Anatomy of Gray” to the New Hampshire State Drama Festival. Their performance, which included both solemn and funny moments, drew a loud, enthusiastic applause from the audience when it was done.

It was one of a dozen shows performed at the festival, which drew about 500 participants from 12 high schools, including Goffstown High School. The event, held April 11 and 12 in Gilford, featured one show from each school.

“It’s definitely a fun atmosphere,” said Goffstown High junior Brendan Bertagnoll, 16. “The goal is to present the best show possible and enjoy theater. It’s educational. We can take a lot away from this.”

At the state festival, an annual event, two schools are selected to move on to the New England Drama Festival. Last March, about two dozen New Hampshire high schools performed at regional festivals and 12 of them were chosen for the state event.

“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate (theater) in a fairly noncompetitive environment, which is nice,” said Jennifer Matzke, who directed John Stark Regional’s show. “The students are extremely supportive of each other.”

The festival’s emphasis on education, rather than competition, is an important element of the event, according to its organizers. Each show is critiqued by adjudicators, and students and directors share feedback in forums.

“It’s nice to sit back and look at a play and see how we can improve ourselves,” said Ellen Comeau, 16, who performed several roles in Goffstown Theatre Company’s production of “Metamorphoses.”

“I think it definitely makes me a better actor. I learn. I listen. It’s a good experience.”

Festival rules require that each show not exceed 40 minutes, so the John Stark actors performed only the first act of their play. Schools that exceed the time limit are disqualified from advancing to the New England festival.

The shows ranged from serious pieces to performances that drew big laughs. “Metamorphoses,” a play featuring vignettes based a Greek poem, featured ancient and modern characteristics.

Like the state festival, shows performed at the regional level were judged by adjudicators. Actors, technical workers and directors used that feedback to improve their show before bringing it to the state event.

“You do the things you can to make your show better,” said Goffstown’s director, Lee Mannion, who serves as president of the New Hampshire Education Theatre Guild. “You get that critical eye. There is a huge benefit to having constructive criticism in your life. There’s always something more to think about.”

John Stark’s performance at the state festival drew praise from adjudicators for its look, pace and attention to detail. But the actors were also encouraged to speak more clearly.

Neither John Stark nor Goffstown was chosen to advance to the New England festival – the top honors went to high schools in Laconia and Plymouth – but several local students were among the recipients of All Star Company awards for exceptional acting and technical work.

John Stark student Courtney Perron was given the Robert A. Stuart Award, named after the late leader in New Hampshire theater, in recognition of her excellent acting. During the festival, students bond with other kids who love theater, applaud loudly at each others’ shows and enjoy a dance together.

“I love being with people who share the same passion,” said Comeau. “It’s so neat that so many kids come together and we’re one theater family.”

When a student from Newport was recognized at the awards ceremony for his acting performance, Goffstown High’s Pat Sheehy, a light and sound worker, gave him a high-five. When an actor from Wolfeboro won an award, Sheehy gave him a thumbs-up.

“There’s a tremendous amount of support,” said Dan Pare, the technical director of the Goffstown show. “You don’t see any contention between kids. They have an art, a craft they’re sharing.”