The narrator’s voice fills the room as he introduces the play, the house lights dim, and the curtain slowly rises to show the first stage set. This is The Bear Stage Players’ One Act Play (OAP): “Lafayette No. 1.”
One Act Play is a competitive theatre event where schools perform a full play within a strict time limit. The entire process includes acting, directing, and technical elements. This year’s show will be performed on March 7 at Lamar University Beaumont.
According to senior Alyssa Dempsey, who plays Harriss, it is a very cut throat competition with extremely talented actors from all over Texas. One Act Play has very strict rules and guidelines, but it is still very fun to socialize and watch other people perform.
“It is hard,” junior Cole Russell said. “Every school will have to put all they can into their own shows. Which includes hours and hours of hard work.”
“Lafayette No. 1” is about a group of homeless orphans during the yellow fever. The play is set in New Orleans, Louisiana in the year 1816.
“‘Lafayette No.1’ is a sad show,” Dempsey said. “It is about a young woman named Lizzy Landry, who is fighting for the right for the orphans to be able to have a home.”
The process that the cast go through to prepare for the OAP is learning their lines where needed, learning to communicating well with others, getting changed into makeup and hair, and running lines incessantly.
“It can be a little stressful, but its rewarding,” junior Victoria Sulak said. “There are a lot of practices. We need to block scenes, memorize lines, and add emotion.”
One Act Play is a great way to be able to achieve camaraderie. The students competing get to know one another well and create unbreakable connections.
“I love all the bonds that we all have with each other,” Dempsey said. “Bus rides, going out to eat, and watching others perform- it is all fun.”
