By Barrett Roberson.
The theater department will perform “The 39 Steps” by Samuel French for their UIL One-Act Play on March 21 at Wylie High School.
“This is this has been a tough play,” theater director Kyle Martin said. “On its surface, it is a play about a man who gets caught into a world of spies and espionage. But it is so much more than that, because it is a parody of a style of filmmaking called film noir.”
Along with their performance for the competition, the department will host a public performance with Cooper High School in the auditorium on March 18 at 6 p.m, where both schools will each perform their plays.
“The UIL One-Act Play contest is one of the oldest theater competitions in the United States, and the biggest high school play competitions,” Martin said. “We’re not allowed to do a play over 40 minutes, and there are other rules that you have to follow or you will get disqualified. It’s a different type of theater entirely.”
The theater department started their rehearsals on Feb. 5, just one week after the end of their musical.
“It’s a lot shorter and you have to be more concise with what you do,” senior Kelsie Patterson, who plays the Sheriff and Business Man Number One, said. “We also have a lot less time to rehearse, so you have to be very intentional about everything you do in the rehearsal process to make sure everything goes as smooth as possible.”
While this time can be stressful for the cast, crew and director, the UIL One-Act Play allows for different opportunities for fun for everyone involved.
“My favorite part of the whole process is how close everyone gets, especially when we travel,” senior Cori Kissick, who plays Pamala Edwards, the female lead character, said. “The bus rides we have are always a good time.”
With the style of play being so different from any other productions the department performs throughout the year, it gives them a chance to have unique moments on stage.
“We are trying to get rid of using too much furniture,” Kissick said. “We are using some people to replace some props and furniture, which has been a really cool experience.”
If the department ranks third or better, they will advance to the bi-district competition in Lubbock on March 28.
“I love that I get to work the most dedicated students in our school,” Martin said. “I just really like working with the students who have chosen to be a part of this program. They’re the best in the school at what they do.”
