Blanco Middle School, performing Tim Kelly’s The Marvelous Playbill, won the District 27-AA One Act Play competition held Wednesday evening at Blanco Middle School.
“One Act Play is considered a team event—and in the theater world, we call this team an ‘ensemble’,” said event judge Perry Crafton. “Blanco has a very, very good ensemble.”
Both Comfort and Lago Vista put on good performances, but Blanco’s strong ensemble performance carried the day.
“I was a little nervous when Lago Vista won the Best Actor and Best Actress awards,” said middle school OAP director Amy Arlitt. “But we have a very strong ensemble cast. It’s something Blanco does well. We play well with each other.”
All Star Cast recognition went to Joaquin Olmedo, Griffin Wearden, and Trace Savage. Honorable Mention All Star Cast honors went to Kaylin Gaskamp, Montana Wiseman, and Tristan Lopez.
“I’m very happy with our win,” said Joaquin Olmedo, who played the role of Chanfalla, a charismatic charlatan who dupes an audience of vain Castilians into believing they are viewing a great theatrical performance, when in reality, there is none.
“I’m very proud of my fellow cast and crew members—we had a challenge and we worked hard, together to win. My wife, played by Christyn in the play, was also supportive and amazing. Without her, I wouldn't have been able to do the act.”
Mrs. Arlitt said, “I’m so proud of these students. It is a privilege to sit back and watch them grow and learn. When I get them as 6th grade students, they don’t know the first thing about theater and the stage, but by their 8th grade year they are performing contest pieces on their own.”
“I’m not allowed backstage during the competition, so all lights, sound, and direction must come from the crew. All hiccups have to be handled by these 13- and 14-year-old students. And they win while doing it.”
“I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“I also want to thank our parents, especially Jennifer Baker and Priscilla Torti. They have been a huge help to me these past few weeks—they made goodie bags, delivered pizza, repaired costumes—I would have a very long list of ‘to-dos’ without their help.”
The cast will perform the play in a non-district competition next Saturday, February 9, at Fredericksburg. “We’ve won first place there the past three years—I’m excited to see how this group will respond at this next level,” said Arlitt.
The play will also be performed during Public Schools Week. The exact date and time have yet to be set, but everyone is invited to attend.
5 photos attached to this article.
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