Clarke Central High School drama students stand around to watch their peers perform and dance at the Georgia State High School Association One Act Play Competition. Senior James Wilson felt the experience was one of bonding and learning. “This year, I would have to say my favorite part was going to competition and watching the other schools perform,” Wilson said. “Some of them were truly amazing and some of the students are so talented that it blows my mind that they’re only in high school.” Photo by Makayla Moore.
By LUCIA BERMUDEZ – Variety Editor
The drama department concluded some major events on their agenda for the school year and are reflecting on their experience and looking ahead to the second semester.
Clarke Central drama students and club members had an action packed few months, with two performances and a competition.
Noises Off, a play within a play, was performed by CCHS students on Oct. 1 and 2. and The Georgia State High School Association One Act Play Competition and One Act performance, Jake’s Women, concluded on Oct. 22 and 24.
The two shows this semester were back to back, going straight from Noises Off into One Act, and took a lot of preparation and timing.
“We had some real difficulties arrive,” drama instructor Harriet Anderson said. “We lost one of our cast members and we brought back a guest artist in to do the show with us. She came in and just filled in and really did a great job (and) brought a lot of life into the cast.”
Held at Heritage High School, a select few drama students attended One Act competition, an event in which state schools’ drama departments compete by performing a 55 minute act. Anderson believes that One Act had a lot to offer CCHS students.
“By going to One Act play, students are afforded the opportunity to spend time with students who are like-minded,” Anderson said. “In addition to meeting new friends, you also have an opportunity to be hit really fast with the best each school has to offer and it’s a fast learning exercise.”
Students auditioned to be in the competition and a separate performance, Jake’s Women, which took place at CCHS. Senior James Wilson believes the performances went well and brought the students closer.
“I’ve gone (to One Act) every year except for my freshman year and it has been one of my favorite events,” Wilson said. “I really got to bond with the people within our school’s drama department as well as with drama people from around the state.”
Now that One Act has come to an end, drama students will be preparing for ThesCon, a drama student thespian convention, and their next performance in the second semester. The Mel Auditorium will be temporarily closing in November, and Anderson believes construction will make performing more difficult.
However, despite obstacles, drama students are ready to put on a their third and last performance of the year.
“I haven’t been a part of a musical since my freshmen year and I want to be apart of one so bad. They’re literally the best,” Wilson said. “I’m actually kind of sad that we won’t be working closely on a play again until next semester. I’m just really excited to work with all of them together again.”
