By Maggie Dempewolf
As I sat there in the auditorium, shakily holding onto the hands of my fellow one act play teammates, I really thought to myself, could this be it? Are we really going to go to state? Well, let me tell you just how excited everyone was when we heard the judge’s next words. “And finally, in first place, performing “Clowns With Guns,” Fillmore Central High School!” My heart felt as though it may have skipped a beat. It all felt like a fever dream. This is what we had all been waiting for the entire season.
The beginning of the season started off pretty well back in November. We got to read over the script before auditions considering the nature of our one act play this year. I remember sitting at the kitchen counter that night, smiling as I read over the script numerous times. Auditions finally rolled around, and the whole team was abuzz trying to gauge what parts they would receive. We looked at the callback list the following morning, all so excited. I was placed exactly where I was hoping for – props mistress.
The season starts and the chaos begins. Actors are scrambling to memorize lines, and meanwhile, I am scrambling to get props built and set pieces painted. Believe me when I tell you that it’s not a good one-act season unless I’m constantly stressed out about something during practice.
We were originally supposed to start the season off with a practice performance with critiques and classes at Workshape in Rushford, but unfortunately, due to bad weather, it was canceled. So competition then started the following weekend with the conference meet at Wabasha-Kellogg High School. This went very well, and we placed first. The sub-section competition was the following week at Lourdes High School. This is when the stakes started to get high, and everyone was on edge. But, it went smoothly, and we were all excited when the judge announced that we had placed first. Then the pressure was really on.
We had made it to sections, and we were all terrified. This is what it all came down to. We had to place first in order to go to the place that every one-act kid dreams of… state! I remember sitting there with the others, especially us nervous seniors. The thought of not placing first meant that this would be our last show. The anticipation grew. My heart was beating out of my chest. And then… “And finally, in first place, performing “Clowns With Guns,” your section champions… Fillmore Central High School!”
This was it! We made it to state! All those cold winter break practices and beat-down sessions with nit-picky critiques from our coach, Mrs. Whitacre, all the yelling I did trying to not stress out when getting props in order, all of it –it all finally paid off. This really was our best performance yet.
Even though we didn’t star at state (receiving a star is the highest accomplishment), we gave it our all! This truly was the best way to end our one act play season this year. I am so very proud of all my teammates and Mrs. Whiteacre for an amazing season! In the classic “Clowns With Guns” style, we truly went out with a bang!
Maggie Dempewolf is a student at Fillmore Central High School, and one of 13 area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 25th year.
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