The One Act Competitions have been a tradition at South for at least 10 years, and yet, you might just find yourself asking, “What even are Competitive One Acts?” or, “How can theater be competitive?” Well, you’re in luck, here’s the basic rundown of things to know!
What is a one act play?
A one act play is quite literally exactly what it sounds like: a complete theatrical performance with just one act. “An entire one-act lasts anywhere from 10 minutes up to an hour, and there is almost never an intermission,” Bentsen explains on Backstage.
In competitive theater, schools have about 30 minutes to tell a full story, which means every single detail from character development to blocking is deeply considered and thought out very carefully. Because there is no intermission, the actors have only one chance to grab the judges’s attention.
What is the competition?
Minnesota’s One Act Play Competition is run by the MSHSL and is one of the most intense performing arts contests in the state. Schools bring a single production to be judged on their Physical Characteristics, Vocal Characteristics, Technical Elements, and Overall Effectiveness of Ensemble by a panel of judges. Performances advance through multiple levels, with only the best earning a trip to the State One Act Play Festival to preform on stage in St. Paul.
What is the show this year?
This year, Lakeville South chose to take on The Importance of Being Ernest, telling a story of two men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who rely on clever lies and half truths to manage their social lives. Both men take on fake personas to escape responsibility, but there soon becomes humorous misunderstandings as they each fall in love with their own young lady, and become tangled in their lies.
Can I see the show?
Yes! There is one performance that isn’t judged and will be held on February 7. This performance will also include the non-competitive one act after a 10 minute intermission called The A.I. Play. You can get your tickets on GoFan or at the door.
Participants say
“This is one of my favorite activities to do all year. The chance we get to go to state is such a bonding experience, and it’s really just such a fun and exciting opportunity.”
-Landon Woodson, actor
