Wayne High School’s One Act Play Production rounded out their season by becoming the B-3 District Runner-Up team.
This group just never stopped working and Dec. 4 left it all on the stage, giving an amazing, best performance of the year. The superior ballot ratings of 59/60 - 60/60 - 60/60, tied Wayne up with the first place Columbus Scotus, but alas, they received second place rank from all three judges, forcing them out of the top spot for a state bid," said Coach Julie Osnes.
The show this year,"The Cry of the Peacock," written by Billy W. Boone II, was inspired by a real life tragedy. It is a very dark and horror-filled play dealing with the very serious topic of domestic violence.
The story of young Mary Blanton, who has suffered some kind of trauma, evidenced by her nightmare filled dreams and horrific scratches on her neck. Dr. Jeremiah Todd is called before a review board to defend his investigation of the child abuse case, and the scenes of the past are brought painfully to life. Memories and nightmare monsters - who taunt and terrify - blur the lines between fact and fiction, leaving the audience grasping for the truth. But the only truth to be found is that monsters are real, living among us, sometimes hiding behind the faces of people we know and trust.
"The talent and collaboration of the team this year was outstanding. At every event this year Wayne was ranked superior, scoring 57/60 or higher but they continued to improve each performance," Osnes said.
Wayne High One Acts finished with a fourth place at York K-Dub competition on Nov. 9; third at Conference competition on Nov. 19, and at the Tiger Drama Festival in Tekamah-Herman on Nov. 23, they received Runner-Up.
Directors Julie Osnes and Chris Clinchard worked with a "great group of students" including, Gabriel Armstrong, Abi Gapp, Whitney Hadcock, Grace Junck, Rachel Holland, Sharon Vasquez Flores, crew Summer Palu and make-up artists Heidi De La Cruz Ajqui and Melanie Gonzalez.
Other team members also had 18 outstanding acting nominations awarded this season. Senior, Abi Hawthorne along with newcomers, Callen Gamble, Caleb Raulston, Samantha Wright and Josalynn Young each received a nomination. Kenna Blecke, Nayamalo Kanti, Sienna Klinetobe, Josie Ley and Riley Olsen each received two nominations and Adrienne Anderson received three. Norah Armstrong, Aidan Bohnert, Jordan Clinchard, Ceilus Ibarra, Colby Raulston, Alec Schaffer and Sophia Spieker received four nominations, one at each event. The following were recognized at Tekemah-Herman, on stage crew: Rylee Durant, Alixx Jeppesen, Aleena Lutt, with lights Aleigha Hale, and Ryder Olberding on sound. Sophia Spieker was honored to be singled out as the Overall Best Supporting Actor for her role as the child, Mary Blanton.
"And last, but not least, an unheard of recognition was awarded to Alec Schaffer, who was chosen at all four separate competitions as the Best Overall Actor for his portrayal of the psychiatrist, Dr. Jeremiah Todd," Osnes said.
"We had the privilege of performing on Wayne's new stage in the beautiful F. R. Haun Auditorium for the Home Show. Because of the powerful topic of the play, the team also decided to raise funds for Haven House and participate in their Adopt a Family Program. Half of the proceeds from the home show went toward this community outreach," Osnes said.
The Art Club also showcased the quilts they made for Haven House, and WEB started collecting needed items. The One Act players also sold, “stop domestic violence,” purple hands and stickers during the season to promote awareness of this silent struggle and $400 was raised.
"This year's team learned that theater can not only entertain, but it can educate, improve empathy, and represent the beauty, or horror, of life and human nature. And that it can also be used to promote social discourse, give a voice to the voiceless, and demand self examination of the audience and the actors themselves. It has been a very powerful season for us all," Osnes said.
