By Allie Perison
Editor in Chief

This year the theater department has opened the curtains on a new program aimed at attracting more freshman participation called Take One.

“There needed to be a class where freshmen could congregate together,” Take One instructor Bruce Hermans said. “In the past, freshmen have definitely gotten lost because they can’t find a definite place to plug in. We wanted to fix this problem.”

Hermans was inspired to create the program from experiences at his previous school where he realized that freshmen were often lost and intimidated in the mix of older and more seasoned actors. After proposing the idea, the program was formed with help from Principal Brad Hunt and theater director Lisa Tabor.

“We want this program to make it easier for students, in particular freshmen, to find their niche,” Hunt said. “This will make a stronger set of new kids coming into the department which will ultimately lead to a stronger program as a whole.”

Last spring, a large group of incoming freshmen auditioned for the program by preparing two pieces, interviewing and getting teacher recommendations. While many tried out, only a small collection of 18 students were selected to participate.

“It is a vibrant atmosphere where we push them and they respond to it,” Hermans said. “They need to be challenged. That is why the program is blossoming; we are showing the freshmen that they are important.”

As a member of the class, students must experience all aspects of the stage. Along with participating in the regular school plays, they must also put on their own productions. During their own shows, One Act kids tackle everything from lighting and set building to the actual performing. If students plan to seek careers in theater in the future, Hermans feels it is important that they understand every facet of the stage.

“I decided to get involved with Take One because I love theater and it looked like a great opportunity,” Take One theater freshman student Tatiana Gantt said. “It’s exciting to think about the amazing things that will come up in the future. This class has so much to offer. I’ve only gotten a little taste, but from what I’ve seen, I love it already. ”

While some students have already started participating in speech and debate tournaments, One Act’s debut will be the children’s comedy “The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Linda Daugherty during the first week of December. Once the students have perfected the play, they will perform for local fifth graders which will not only serve as entertainment, but also as a good way to get kids excited for high school theater.

“It has created a real world situation for everyone because upperclassmen have to give their best because there are younger hungry kids,” Hermans said. “The great thing is that they are learning more than just theater. It is amazing how much I have already seen them grow. I know there are only good things to come.”

Take One has experienced success thus far in incorporating freshmen into the theater department. The department hopes to entice more students interested in theater to participate in the future.

“This will help us strengthen our school,” Hunt said. “This new foundation will set the path to a smooth, successful year for our theater department.”