Cast, crew rehearsing one-act play

By KAITLYN ROLLINS/News Editor

Feb. 26, 2008

The cast and crew of One Act Play are working to perfect their production of The History of Tom Jones , a play directed by Mrs. Kendra Tatsch. The cast and crew members say they are hoping to sweep the district.

“We're very fortunate to have a lot of talent here,” Mrs. Tatsch said. “The show is going to be laugh-out-loud funny, and it's one where you can laugh and cry in the same show.”

Cast members include Nick Wilks, Randy Dockendorf, Rachel Fore, JoAnna Diaz, Olivia Copeland, Sarah Frazier, Miranda Malzac, Brian Hulton, Meagan Kascsak, Coty Peterson, Dakota Bryant, Scott Swingler, Dillon Towns , Landon Ramirez, and Mackenzy Rogers.

 

 

 

 

Dakota Bryan and Sarah Frazier rehearse a scene from the play.

“On opening night when that curtain goes up, and it is what it is, there's always something that astonishes me,” Mrs. Tatsch said. “There's always some actor or some group of actors that do something I've never seen before.”

Since the play is the UIL competition production, cast and crew members have to be dedicated.

“Some big key components are time, attendance, and the willingness to get serious,” said senior Joanna Diaz, who plays the roles of Bridget and Honour. “Also, you have to have a love for it, because if you don't have a love, then you won't get anything done.”

Brian Hulton listens to instructions during a one-act play rehearsal.

 

Producing a play is definitely something that takes 111 percent, as members of the play will say.

“111 percent means one act, one team, one family-because that's what you become at the end,” Mrs. Tatsch said. “Making a play is a very emotional undertaking, and by the end you grow to be brothers and sisters.”

And the teamwork that is created is an essential part of the production, as senior Mackenzy Rogers, who plays the roles of Harriet Fitzpatrick and Servant, illustrates.

“I like to work as a team rather than individually because I get to hear what other teammates do, which helps me know what I need to do,” Mackenzy said. “I hope our team will go far because it's my last year.”

Mrs. Tatsch said getting the play to opening-night quality is not only the work of the director.

“I put the right people in the places, but I'm only one person and without those kids' work ethics, it wouldn't get done,” Mrs. Tatsch said. “It's not my play; it's theirs-I just put them in the right situations and delegate authority to get it done.”

Being in One-Act gives actors and actresses a chance to show their skills and become better friends.

“One minute, we're chasing each other around, screaming and bashing each other with whatever we can get our hands on,” JoAnna said. “The next minute, we're the best of buds and having a blast, so it's a lot like a family.”

Pride in watching students grow is Mrs. Tatsch's favorite thing about being the director.

“I have kids that start out too scared to go on stage, and by the end of the year, they're out there and doing a great job,” she said. “Some kids just don't see in themselves what I do.”