The Ladysmith Secondary School Improv team are all about storytelling.The group recently brought their wit and talent to the North Island Regional Drama Fest in a play all about telling it like it is.“It’s a play about storytelling,” said Hilary Jahelka about the team’s performance. “We’re working on connecting and telling a story in a safe environment.”With 13 schools participating, LSS wanted to stand out — and they did just that with their unique set design.Grade 12 student, Cheyenne Sykes, along with Elan Tombs, created transportable murals to surround the actors and the audience.“It’s a shared space with the audience to connect with the performers,” said Sykes.The performers invited the audience to participate by getting them up on stage.“It reinforces the power of storytelling,” she said. The mural represents each one of the performers.A phoenix rising from the ashes symbolizes Grade 12 student, Stephanie Humphreys.“My past isn’t who I am,” Humphreys said about her story.She said getting up on stage and sharing her story helped her with a rebirth of sorts.“I learned who I am,” she said of sharing her past.Coach William Taylor, said sharing stories is a way to connect and make the team stronger.The drama fest was held at John Barsby Secondary School in Nanaimo, Feb. 17 to 19.