Edison’s Festival of One Acts:
Clowns, fetuses, maids, and fairy tale characters aren’t typically found at Edison High School. However, they all found their way into the annual one-act plays performed at Edison Jan. 19 - 21. Each night of one acts featured three shows directed by senior IB theatre students and one ten-minute play written and directed by junior IB theatre students.
The one-acts offered delightful doses of drama for directors and actors alike. In the words of Hieu Tran, the one-acts were “the epitome of my high school career.” Cast members also appreciated and benefited from the experience. Junior Allyson Knight said, “Having the opportunity to take on a challenging role and improve my acting was something that I really enjoyed.”
The variety of roles available in the one-acts made them an excellent starting point for students looking to try their hand at theatre. Newcomer Zinnia Garay made her Edison Theatre Stage debut this year during the one-acts and said that it was “a challenging process, one that I had never tried before.” Given their relaxed atmosphere the one-acts provided an ideal atmosphere for Edison students looking to test the theatre waters.
The junior IB theatre students also benefited by receiving the opportunity to write and direct original theatrical works and see them come to life onstage. Alexx Hall, author of “Mother Nose Best” said, “Watching someone else with my baby was nerve-racking.” All in all the juniors’ experience was challenging but prepared them for next year when they must fill the seniors’ shoes.