Final curtain falls on one-act play

Ozona—The Ozona High School one-act play team is taking a final bow after a season marked by growth, recognition and commitment to the craft of storytelling.

The group advanced to the Region 1-2A competition with its production of “Eluvium.” 

One act-play teacher Collyn Glaspie feels success is not defined by trophies or advancement, but by the quality of the performance. 

“I don't like to think of theater as a competition,” Glaspie said. “We try to put on the very best show we can. A lot of the arts programs here at Ozona, we don't measure success in advancing or in awards. We measure success in going out and putting on a really good show. I think that this year we have gone out and put on a really good show.” 

Director Charles Farris echoed that sentiment.

“When I try to teach the kids that it's not about the awards, that's just like icing on the cake,” Farris said. “What I determined to be a successful competition season is that the students are able to take control of the story themselves, to take control of the production and to deliver the story on their own without having me or assistant directors guiding them.” 

Building characters and connections

A key element of the team’s success, Glaspie said, was the emphasis on character development and authentic relationships on stage. 

“We have been working so hard on relationships and truth to character,” Glaspie said. “That's a big deal that the judges look for, and it's a big deal if you want to pursue acting. 

“When you're on stage, you're not just doing the presentation for the audience. You're trying to create a real-life connection between two people. So, we want the people to come in and watch a show and forget that that's Braden and Teslynn up there. That is actually Hal Harlow and a nurse talking about a real-life person.” 

Students embraced that challenge, spending hours analyzing their characters’ motivations and emotions.

Actor Joshua Manosalva described his role as an ghost.

“My character is basically an apparition of what one of the characters did wrong, and I'm coming back to haunt him for it,” Manosalva said. “Usually before we do a play, I like take a minute to think about my character, what he's doing and why is he in the play to begin with, just try to think about what he is thinking.” 

Manosalva likes the play and its characters.

“I like the script,” Manosalva said. “There are some parts that I'm kind of ‘eh’ about, but I really enjoy the play and the characters are enjoyable, too.”

Hailey Larson portrayed a difficult character.

“My character is very stern, rude and mean, and I'm kind of the opposite,” Larson said. “So, it was a little bit hard for me to get into the headspace, but apparently, I did pretty good.”

Larson remains ambivalent toward the character she portrayed.

“I think that the play is very sad, but I like the play a lot,” Larson said. “I don't know how to feel about my character. She's very mean, but I guess I like her because I am playing her.”

Behind the scenes: the technical team

While actors took center stage, directors emphasized the importance of the technical crew in bringing the production to life.

“In some of the venues that we've been to, it's been really challenging to get the stage lit,” Farris said. “Our lightboard operator has to work on different consoles every competition that we've been to so far, so it's probably one of the most stressful jobs that we have.” 

Lighting effects helped convey emotion and intensity throughout the performance.

“Lighting is a very big part of the storytelling with the way the script is,” crew member Ciera Fred said. “It's like its own character. [Lighting is most important in] the scenes with the scarecrow and the flashback scenes. I feel like those are very powerful.”

Maria Damian added that lighting enhanced key moments.

“The lighting helps portray sad moments with the blue lights or some intense moments with flashing white lights,” Damian said. “It helps show that in the moment their feelings are either sad or intense. 

“The heart attack scene is what I think is assisted most by lighting. We have our red and blue lights flashing sometimes or we have other lights flashing that show the heart attack is impactful.” 

Recognition for excellence

The team’s efforts were recognized with multiple honors at the regional competition.

Stage manager Jakelynn Hernandez earned All Star Crew. 

Jakelynn Hernandez, Maria Damian, Luna Hernandez, Rodrigo Alvarez, Ciera Fred, and Anna Shaffer received Overall Outstanding Technical Crew. 

Hailey Larson won Honorable Mention All Star Cast for the character Bird Harlow. 

Braden Claburn earned All Star Cast for his portrayal of Hal Harlow.

Ultimately, Christoval advanced to the State competition with their play “Goodnight Mr. Tom.”