For the first time in 30 years, the James Madison University theater group is going to the world's largest theater festival.

Tomorrow they head to France to participate in the Avignon Theater Festival.

The group rehearsed for the big trip at the Forbes Performing Arts Center.

Their director is from France so he was able to help them get into the festival. One student said this is a great opportunity for their department and she could not wait to find out if they could actually go.

"So it was always sort of on our radar and when they said, 'Okay, you're going to be able to go.' We've raised all this money, mostly through the school, and we were just thrilled, just so excited and still, I just can't believe we're going to go tomorrow," said June Hundley, an actress in the group.

The JMU group will perform with other theater companies from all over the world at the festival in the south of France.

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