One Acts

By Maya Moore | News, Copy Editor

The theater department put on one acts on Jan 30-31, two brief plays directed by senior thespians. A third one act had been planned, but was canceled. There were two performances and admission was pay-what-you-want. Student-directed one acts have not previously been done at KMC, at least in recent years.
“It’s actually a pretty common practice for high schools to do that, mostly because it’s easy on the teacher … and gives seniors an opportunity to direct a little show,” said theater director Gabriel Heffernan.
Senior Jacob Boyzuck directed “A Marriage Has Been Arranged” by Alfred Sut It had a cast of two characters, played by junior Jaxon Dieker and senior Jaylynn Sharau.
“Lady Aline (Sharau) does not want to be married to Mr. Crockstead (Dieker),” Boyzuck said. “But, in having a conversation in kind of a witty banter way, she realizes that he really does love her, which prompts her to accept his marriage [proposal].”
Sharau said she enjoyed having her classmate, Boyzuck, as her director.
“I think there offers more creativity since the directors are other seniors …” Sharau said. “The dynamic with Jacob, you know, he’s my classmate, but when we’re on stage, he doesn’t force his intentions on us, you know? It’s more like he gives us suggestions. He’s like, ‘Hey, this is the vision I have. Do your best and I’ll make adjustments along the way.’”
Senior Clare Fiebach directed a one act called “The Drive Home.” She cast freshman Jillian Parmley, junior Matthew Heppler and Sharau.
“It’s based on a few true stories and some not true about when you’re a babysitter who doesn’t have a driver’s license yet and when one of the parents has to drive you home and how awkward it is,” Fiebach said.
Heppler said he enjoyed this experience.
"I played a young father who has the responsibility of driving a babysitter home," Heppler said. "I really enjoyed being with the cast and crew, they were just a great lot to be with and were a lot of fun."
Fiebach had the opportunity to bring this one act to the stage, which is a comedy she wrote herself.
“Getting to see something I wrote and something that I directed and something I made, just being on the stage, I guess that excites me, but then being honest, I’m slightly terrified,” Fiebach said.