Auditions help directors determine best cast for One Acts
December 7, 2022
Snow is falling, and there’s a chill in the air, which means it’s time for the annual One Act play auditions. The One Act plays are short skits, generally 15-30 minutes long, the length of one act of a traditional play.
Something unique about the One Act plays is that instead of theater director Eric Severson, they have student directors, seniors running shows or co-directing.
The One Acts often focus on including a hint of comedy.
I can’t possibly name everything that directing teaches you.
— Maggie Fried
This year, the three One Act plays are: Wasp, directed by Quenby Wilson, The Bald Soprano, directed by Maggie Fried, and, the competition One Act, Dogg’s Hamlet directed by theatre director Eric Severson.
“I can’t possibly name everything that directing teaches you. It requires such a wide variety of skills,” Fried said.
The One Acts also provide a unique chance for students to enter into the MSHSL One Act play competition.
Severson said, “I wanted to offer the students an opportunity to try something different.”
The auditions entail acting out scenes with other actors for practice before the individual auditions. The participants typically get around 30-45 minutes to practice, then they line up and go into Driscoll one by one.
Sophomore Maddie Pierce said, “You’ll tend to act out other scenes with people, and it’s fewer monologues.”
One Acts are a great way for students to get involved in theatre, directing, or even just the SPA community.
Severson said, “It’s a really fun and engaging experience for everyone that’s involved.”
Theatre and the one acts are a great way for students to meet new people, have something fun to do after school, and be a part of a team, according to the directors.
“Directing is a really good way to be a part of the community,” Wilson said.
This year marks the 19th year of One Act plays at SPA, which began in 2004. The One Acts are set to commence in the Huss Center Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Cast lists announced for competition, student shows
US Winter One-Acts Cast Lists 2023
Dogg’s Hamlet by Tom Stoppard
Director: Mr. Severson
Cast List
Abel/Bernardo/Horatio – Bri Rucker
Baker/Francisco/Hamlet – Valerie Wick
Charlie/Ophelia/Ghost/Osric – Ellie Putaski
Dogg/Shakespeare/Claudius – Savannah Switzer
Easy/Gravedigger – Leo Sampsell-Jones
Fox Major/Polonius/Laertes – Aarushi Bahadur
Lady/Mrs. Dogg/Gertrude – Grace Medrano
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The Bald Soprano by Eugene Ionesco
Director: Maggie Fried
Cast List
Mrs. Smith Maddie Pierce
Mr. Smith – Cosette Switzer
Mary – Cassandra Zirps
Mrs. Martin – Rachel Swenson
Mr. Martin – Madeline Kim
Fire Chief – Rowan Moore
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WASP by Steve Martin
Director: Quenby Wilson
Cast List
Dad – Colin Will
Sis – Frances Matthews
Son – Murray Goff
Mom – Elzie Bieganek
Voice – Zoe Cheng Pinto
Premier/Choirmaster/Roger – Franny Wagner