Clubs, sports, and academics are all ways in which we define ourselves as part of the larger Jesuit community, whether it’s band, football, or debate. The activities allow students to experience growth, leadership, and many more qualities that we strive to pursue. Theater is one of these many activities, encouraging personal expression and freedom of while giving back to the community at the same time.
Every year in the fall and spring, Jesuit participates in an exciting series of theater productions directed by the seniors, productions that soon come to life with the help of teachers and fellow students: the One Acts. The auditions for this year’s Spring One Acts were held at Jesuit in the Lecture Hall on March 4th. According to senior Alex Curry, actors and actresses come from Jesuit, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Bishop Lynch, and Booker T. Washington in hopes of being cast in the Spring One Acts.
Over 60 students took part in this year’s audition. During the process, the students are each given a minute to perform a comedic monologue, joke, or scene. After the auditions concluded, the directors worked with their partners in making the difficult selection of who they wanted to cast. The next day, each partnership took turns selecting actors and actresses that would be a part of their show in a sort of draft.
Thomas Spottiswood, one of the directors, commented on the level of talent he experienced; he concluded that over the many years he has watched auditions, the students have always brought their A-game. When asked about the potential of the Spring One Acts in comparison with the fall Winter One Acts, Thomas said that the amount of talent is dead even. However, according to Spottiswood, we are in for a special treat this Spring. Mr. Myers has introduced a competition in which the audience will vote for their favorite shows in hopes of raising the level of entertainment.
Mr. Howard, a theater faculty member, also spoke about the audition process, acknowledging that the “level of talent always amazes [him].” Further complimenting the excellent auditions that took place on March 4th, Mr. Howard explained that the One Acts allow “so many new talented students who seem to come out of nowhere and who have an incredible hidden talent for performing” to participate in the Jesuit theater program.
While a tough competition is in store for this year’s Spring One Acts, all of the directors can agree that the short skits are always a hit with the audience. These comedic plays last around 10-15 minutes a piece and keep the audience entertained and laughing, each play having its own unique style.
In the upcoming weeks, those who were cast in the Spring 2014 One Acts will continue to rehearse and prepare for their performances, which will occur between May 8th-10th.
