One day that’s going to be me. That’s what 8th grade students like Kenzie Stone thought as they watched the high schoolers act under the bright stage lights. 

The theater company performed their One Act show “Failures: A Love Story” at the Georgetown Theater Festival Feb. 22. Grade 8 theater students were brought along to watch and learn about what high school One Act entails.

The high school’s show went on to win 1st place in District. Students will compete in Bi-District March 21 at China Springs.

“I think this opportunity [to watch the high schoolers] will be helpful with my self-confidence and working with others,” Stone said. “It’s exciting to see how everything works at a high school level.”

The 8th graders watched the highschoolers perform along with other schools at the clinic. 8th graders were welcomed by Georgetown students and given a tour of their auditorium.

  “We want to keep the program alive and going,” theater president Callie Bekker said.”By introducing them to it earlier than high school, there’s a better chance they’ll stick around.” 

The 8th graders have been preparing for their One Act competition today. Their competition is different from high school because they only have one level, whereas the high school can keep competing to the State level. This trip was to help the middle schoolers prepare for high school One Act and their performance.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Veronica Butler

Gerty Fail, played by senior Callie Bekker, is the final sister to die in "Failure: A Love Story", and is comforted by her lover Mortimer Mortimer , played by senior James Vasquez, in her final moments.

“I feel happy around the high school students because they are so welcoming,” Stone said. “I really enjoy One Act. It is a great way to grow.”

One Act takes lots of responsibility and time, so bringing middle schoolers along introduces them to these expectations early. Students are expected to attend every event, after-school rehearsal three times a week, get along and remember lines and instruction.

“I think it’s super beneficial because they need to see and understand what they’ll be getting into next year, or the years to come,” Bekker said. “At the beginning of One Act season, all the officers take a day to explain how we act and what we do at festivals and competitions, so the middle school being able to come and see it first hand will really help for when they enter high school. It won’t be as overwhelming and won’t come as a surprise.”

This opportunity connects the theater students. It allows the high school to show why One Act, along with being hard, is a great experience for many students that builds lasting bonds on and off the stage. 

“Theater is a very unique experience on and off stage,” Bekker said.  “It shows in the bonds we create, and the amount of people who come and watch shows.”