Five schools – Piedmont, Brentwood, Monsignor Donovan, Westminster, and Gatewood – competed in the Literary Region AA One-Act Competition, on Nov. 1 at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton.
The plays were judged by a team of retired and active drama teachers with winners moving on to compete at the state level. Region coordinator Beth Marsh said events like this “spark creativity and a lifelong passion for arts, which is sometimes undervalued” for students. “It gives comfort and an outlet for self-expression,” she added.
Gatewood was first to perform, with a production of Everything But, by Alan Haehnal. The play explored the different aspects of play production itself. It began with the cast bowing to the audience, and when no one clapped, the actors explained that they only wanted to do the more fun parts of putting on a play, like receiving applause from the crowd.
They went on to act out the process of auditioning, practicing, reading the cast list, making t-shirts, and humorously picking costumes. The play within a play poked fun at the more unfavorable parts of putting together a successful show deserving of praise, which resulted in deserved applause at the end.
Gatewood music and drama teacher Beth Mappes decided on Everything But because “most students have never done anything in theater before,” she wanted “a lighter subject matter,” and because there were so many students involved, with 37 in the cast.
“Even though I've been involved with theatre for about 25 years, I've never participated in the one-act competitions. I was learning along with everyone else,” Mappes said. “I also haven't worked with the high schoolers much before, but our performing arts program continues to grow, and we wanted to get the one-act going again. We welcomed everyone who wanted to participate. We were so excited with the number that wanted to be involved.”
Mappes remains passionate about what she does.
“There is nothing like the live arts, and it is so meaningful to people. I am so lucky to be able to share what I love at Gatewood,” she said. “I teach all ages, from 2 through 18. We also have each of the lower grades performing a musical during the school year. We have the Gatewood Players and Mini-Players for after school. Middle and high school are taking part in One Act and have the chance to learn different instruments.
"Our chorus program is growing. Plus, we have a large tech crew that runs the lights and sound for our productions. We are gearing up for our new auditorium space once the new high school is finished, which is so exciting. The arts are alive at Gatewood for sure.”
Gatewood did not place in the competition, but the students remained grateful for the opportunity to participate and watch other groups perform.
“To foster any creativity in children and see it grow is amazing. It gives true beauty to our lives,” Mappes said.