Schools
St. Michael-Albertville One-Act Play Heads to Sections
The high school theater group pulled out a spot in the Section 5AA One Act Tournament with its originally-written, self-styled production that puts the one act play, itself, under the microscope.
After some tense moments in deliberation at Sub-Section 5AA meet, the judges at the winter One Act Play awarded a spot in the Section Tournament.
“So You Want to Direct a One-Act: A Live Actfomercial” is the show title; the play is an original work, written by Nathan Metcalf, brother to the director, Jox Metcalf.
“Trying new things in theater is always challenging. This year we are creating a live television show inside of a live theater production” Jox said. It is not just the directors, however, who create the magic on stage; the STMA students have to be solid camera people, sound operators, producers, and actors. The team took a tongue-in-cheek approach to the Minnesota State High School League which govern the One-Act.
Find out what's happening in St. Michaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“There’s a lot going on with this production – five cameras, an intelligent and funny script, and some great acting,” Jox added.
It is an ensemble production, meaning that there is no one part that is more important than any other part. Seventeen students are involved in the production, and each of them plays a vital role whether on stage or behind the scenes, Jox said.
Find out what's happening in St. Michaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Chance Wellnitz is the tech captain, while Mike Papas, Cody Eliason, Nicole Logeais and Jon Egan play the roles of employees at “The Center for Thesbeological Research,” where the show is set. Others involved in the production include Ashley Budde (Assistant Director), Annie Metzger, Preston Kuhn, Courtney Gordon, Chloe Wallace, Isaac Heieie, and Andrea Ohnemus. The shows technical elements are provided by Haley Murray, Haley Cieslak, Brendan Sage, Kaylee Renstrom, Kyle Keister, and Patrick Richards.
The cast and crew will have a little bit of "home cooking" for the big section competition.
The Section 5AA Tournament begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Performing Arts Center in STMA High School. The top team of the four-competing schools will advance to the State One Act Tournament at the College of St. Catherine on February 9 and 10.
If you want to catch the production prior to the weekend, the One Act Team will also offer a free public performance at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 STMA High. School.