Image courtesy of Diana Gutierrez

Segerstrom Drama rehearses lines for their upcoming performances of one-acts.

Today, Segerstrom’s Drama department is hosting its “Evening of One Acts” in the theater. Tickets are five dollars and can be purchased at the door. The play is designed to tell a story with a limited amount of scenes, props, costumes, and time. The two acts presented will be “Anonymous” and “Chicken. Road.”, which estimate forty to sixty minutes each.

The beginning act is “Anonymous” by Allison Green, which is about a girl who is trying to fit into a new school, but there are numerous challenges against her to become a social and happy person.

“Is about how a new girl experiences how she’s feeling at a new school and her going throughout their day. But they have a secret and then [meet] new friends.” Actor Ashley Rodriguez (12) remarked.  “They should be open to new people, and newcomers. And even if they have secrets, to accept who they are.”

The cast can be confusing based on the names of the characters; you, her, she, they, etc. But Ashley portrays the theme that this performance represents everyone, and people should be kind to each other. They want to advocate that it’s important to reach out to others, and the second act brings more attention to this theme. 

The second act is “Chicken. Road.” by Lindsay Price. It has a heavier theme that regards the topic of suicide. There is a cast of students that react to the person’s death, especially because he didn’t show any morbid signs. 

“Chicken. Road. explores a group of teenagers dealing with the aftermath of a friend’s suicide after he didn’t leave a suicide note,” actor Rose Ayala (12) explains. “And all of them explore their different levels of grief or their different levels of understanding. Not only who he was but how he felt on the inside. From people who knew him very well as kids to people who sat next to him in class.”

In this performance, Rose Ayala’s character does a passionate monologue regarding the fictional student. Rose also provided the message and the theme of the performance. It all regards one question that applies to the story at heart. “Why did the chicken cross the road? No, there is no answer. There is no reason why he killed himself. He was messed up on the inside in a sort of way that was the only option.” While it is challenging to fully comprehend the message, the performance conveys a strong purpose. They want the audience to understand the impact of such a tragedy on so many people. The cast is hopeful that the school understands the positive messages that these performances are empowering.

“I have full faith in the kids, tech, and performers that they will pull together and put on a great show for our audiences. This is my sort of way of sending love out into the world. And hopefully, those who see it, and those in our crew, take that with them as well,” Segerstrom Drama teacher Sarah Owens comments. “I really hope that Segerstrom students take the idea of supporting each other, promoting each other, and lifting each other up. Instead of looking for opportunities to drag people down.”

The drama department hopes that their previews and promotions encourage more people to watch these acts. An Evening of One Acts is only available on November 8th and 9th after school. If you miss the opportunity to watch any of the acts, make sure to look out for the spring musical, as “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be the next drama production.