What started off as just the annual fall musical, “Hairspray,” directed by theater arts teacher Wendy Barrett, will be getting an encore with a chance to progress to finals of the International Thespian Society State Convention in Houston in December.

For the first few performances, the cast of “Hairspray” sang and danced with no other intention other than to entertain and amuse the audience, but above all else, to have fun. Then they discovered that they had been selected to go into state to show off their talents in competition. The performers were informed about two weeks ago that they had been accepted.

Choir teacher/director Steven DeCrow plays the role of Edna Turnblad in the musical.

“Oh yeah, everybody was excited,” Decrow said. “As long as I’ve been here, musicals have never gone to state.”

DeCrow said that based on the performance and Barrett’s organization of the show, the cast and crew has a chance to go even further.

“I think we have what it takes to progress into the finals,” Decrow said.

An encore performance will be held in Stuver Auditorium tonight at 6 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.