One act makes history by earning Critics Choice State honor

“Will the circle be unbroken?” The one act play ‘Orphan Trains’ ended its run singing that very line. While the circle may be unbroken, a historical streak definitely was as West made the State competition on November 16 its own personal ‘play’ground.

The Wildcat thespians delivered an inspiring state performance, coming home with multiple awards. The cast won the Outstanding Ensemble Award, the Outstanding Technical Theater Award, Scotti Thurwatcher won the Outstanding Director Award, Alyssa Vigil and Michael Smithson both won Individual Acting Awards, and, for the first time in 23 years, West won the Critics Choice Award. 

The cast was both overjoyed and humbled by this accomplishment.

“Iit was just so shocking, hearing the judges list why we won all those awards,” sophomore Sam Raybern said. “He was just so moved, and I realized how important this show was for the first time. It was incredible.”

Senior Marcus Miller feels his hard work throughout four years in the West drama program paid off.

“State was a fantastic experience,” he said. “This year, we finally had the opportunity to win a Critic’s Choice Award and we all wanted to be a part of that monumental moment. When the judge announced the Critic’s Choice Award, the pure happiness in that room was explosive.” 

Prior to the trip to State, one act and the Variety Show teamed for performances open to the public. Raybern appreciates what the Variety Show offers to students of all abilities. 

“The Variety Show is like a talent show, every year people have fun with dancing, singing, acting and more,” they said. “I definitely recommend this experience to any freshman, because doing this my first year helped me get out of my shell.”

Sophomore Wilson Clark found the Variety Show very enjoyable.

 “I signed up for the Variety Show because Sam told me about it. I ended up doing multiple skits, and it was very fun,” he said. 

Thurwatcher, director, English teacher, and the head coach for the forensics team, was very impressed with the acts this year.

“I’m always blown away by the Variety Show, my favorite part this year was probably Wilson’s skits. He just blew me away,” he said. “I also liked Delaney and Jacob on the piano.”

The Variety Show presented amazing opportunities to those who didn’t make it into the one act.

“My goal this year was to have anyone who wanted to act but wasn’t quite ready or willing to do the one act showcase their talents and have a chance to act,” senior Variety Show director Rin Fox said. “I spent a lot of time on this and I am just really happy to see it all come together”

Fox wanted others to share in her experiences.

“After being a part of the Variety Show my sophomore and junior year, actually being able to direct it was something I was very eager to do,” they said. 

Sophomore Jacob Schaefer took advantage of the opportunity for the second year in a row.

“The experience was very interesting, I played Interstellar by Hans Zimmer on the piano. I joined because I like performing piano for people,” he said. “If you have a talent, the Variety Show would be a great place to show people.”

Before the Variety Show, the one act cast performed “Orphan Train,” which consists of several moving parts. This calls for a coordinated effort, which Thurwatcher appreciates.

“It’s a lot of work to set these things up, I don't think people realize how much work goes into something like that,” he said. “We are fortunate though, Jennifer Ruetten usually takes care of concessions, so that takes something big off the plate.”

Miller recognizes the obstacles of putting on a one act while also having fun.

“The one act this year had a very fun environment; there are always hurdles on the way to being ready, not having enough time, not locking in, but somehow with a cast of 40 we managed to create such a versatile experience for the viewers and left a lasting impression,” he said. 

Thurwatcher was amazed by the outcome of the community shows, as many people came to support West on their way to state.

“I didn't think Thursday night would be as popular as it was,” he said. “I was very happy with the outcome of the audience.”

Miller looks to be a role model for future generations of actors. 

“I wanted to join the one act this year so I could be to the freshman what the seniors were to me during my freshman year,” he said. “They were leaders, but they also cared about each individual and wanted to provide the best possible experience for everyone they could.”

There were quite a few underclassmen participants in the one act, and the talent contributed by the freshman was obvious to Raybern.

“This has to be the best group of people I have met in awhile,” they said. “The freshmen are talented, and the seniors are dedicated. I love everyone who puts their heart into this play.”

Once the pressure of preparation ends, Thurwatcher feels much more relaxed watching his students show their hard work to the community.

“Once the show starts, it’s probably the most calming for me, because my work is kind of done from there, I just get to sit back and enjoy the show,” he said.

The cast was concerned about their performance at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Theatre Festival, but the environment comforted everyone there.

“State was amazing, the prep work was stressful, and I was worried about how we’d do, but once we stepped foot into the university I was in awe with how beautiful it was, and the auditorium was even grander,” Raybern said. “We were given a nice dressing room and the people there treated us well.”

Thurwatcher is grateful for the opportunity to open the festival, and thinks it’s a good sign for the future of West’s drama club.

“It’s the first time we've gone on a Thursday, and I think it says something very special,” he said. “The State Theater Festival is the whole weekend, and we got to open the entire show.”

Raybern was touched by this experience and is looking forward to working with the “Orphan Trains” cast next year, hopefully being just as successful at the next state festival. 

“There’s many ups and downs,” they said. “The one act can be hard but very rewarding, and I’ve made many great memories with this cast. I've met new people, made great new friends, and accomplished so much through the one act that I’m excited for next year.”

By Tenna Ruetten

Published November 27 2023

Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue II