The Bear Stage Players are rehearsing daily for their UIL One Act Play performance of “Epic Proportions” by Larry Coen and David Crane. The troupe will perform at district at 11 a.m. on March 5 at Lamar University. Tickets are $5 and the performance is open to the public.  

“I chose “Epic Proportions” because it’s an entirely new style that brings a whole new set of challenges for the kids to face,” Theatre Arts Director Ashley Dennison said. “With the crazy past year we’ve had, everyone really needs a comedy like this, and I wanted to choose something that would make people laugh.”  

One Act Play rules require that the Troupe perform the play in under 40 minutes at competition. The ensemble must handle all their own props, costumes, and technical aspects of the show.  

“In One Act, you create a show the judges have seen before, but the goal is to still bring something new to the table,” Dennison said. “LCM brought this show to State competition in 2015, so that’s a lot of pressure.”  

Dennison said that she strives in One Act to continue the theatre program’s reputation of maintaining excellence and performing quality productions.  

“Willingness to be flexible and work towards the same common goal is what makes a strong One Act troupe,” Dennison said. “Teams must be focused on the ‘we’ and the common goal rather than the individual, and that is how we can succeed.”  

“Epic Proportions” focuses on a character named Benny who goes off to be an extra on a movie set in Arizona, chasing his dream of becoming a famous actor. Through a series of events involving the stage manager Louise and his brother Phil, Benny realizes how difficult it is to achieve his dream. The comedy escalates as the characters set off to create one of the greatest epics ever on screen.  

“The kids have already worked really hard,” Dennison said. “I hope the show entertains people and gives us the laugh that we all need.”