EAST PROVIDENCE — One week after its massive weekend production that highlighted 25 years of school performances, St. Mary Academy-Bay View was chosen to participate in the renowned International Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August.

More than 100 girls were surprised with the news Tuesday morning by the school’s creative director, Christine Kavanagh.

“These young women have a devotion to theater and the performing arts that is not only admirable, but deep and true,” Kavanagh said. “This is an honor beyond what words can describe. … We promise not to disappoint.”

Thirty-eight high schools out of 150 nationwide were chosen by the American High School Theater Festival to represent the United States this year. Hope High School, in Providence, has gone twice, in 2000 and 2004, but it’s a first for Bay View despite being nominated for the past 14 years.

Auditions will be held before the end of the school year to determine which girls will go to the invitation-only festival, which runs for 10 days in Scotland after a two-day stay in London. Fundraising efforts to defray the cost per student will occur over the summer.

“I have never been out of the country before and I am planning on auditioning,” said Nicole Cayer, a sophomore from North Providence. “I am so glad to be part of what I think is the best performing arts program in the state.”

Desiree Fernandes, a junior from Seekonk, said, “… Rumors were spreading that something big was happening.… I’m glad we are finally able to show everyone what we see in ourselves.”

apina@projo.com