One-Act features Ghost and Superheroes

The ghosts of lost confederate soldiers and superheroes living ordinary lives are taking over the stage at the Douglas High School for the drama department’s annual 1 Act Play Festival.

This is the first production under the direction of the high school’s new drama teacher Renee Kaldor.

“I’m really excited, said Kaldor. “It’s our first production since I have been here and I am excited to see how the students do."

Long time Douglas High School Drama teacher Amy Sando retired last year.

“She really took her me under her wing and had a big impact on this program,” said Kaldor. “I’m looking forward to continuing on what she did while adding my own ideas.”

Kaldor has a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of English. She Graduated from the University of Portland in 2022.

“I did plays and participated in the Thespian Festivals and just always thought it was the coolest thing and knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said Kaldor

 During the 1 Act, student directors choose the play they want to use for their competition piece, formulate a cast, and put on the show. The pieces are judged and the winning act goes on to perform at the Thespian Festival in spring.

"The students have been wonderful and I hope everyone comes out to see and support all their hard work." 

Senior Peter Sheikman is directing the comedy “Superheroes: With Great Power Comes Ordinary Responsibility.”

 In the play Batman goes stir-crazy because crime is low, Swamp Thing has to make financial decisions, the Hulk files taxes and a sidekick joins a support group.

“It’s basically all the superheroes living ordinary lives and doing all the non-super parts like laundry and paying taxes,” said Sheikman. “But it goes a little deeper too, like knowing who the real heroes are.”

Mackenzie Evans portrays six characters including two teenage girls, a laundry mat worker, a group therapist, a tax assistant and a fan girl.

Evans said she channels some of her own qualities and experiences to bring the characters to life.

“The teenagers are complete opposite, teenager one is sort of shy and awkward and I would say that’s based off of my middle school self,” she said. “Teenager two is sassy, yet friendly and an excited teenager, which is a lot like how I am now.”

Junior Isaac Cousley is directing the drama “The Blue and the Grey by R.S. Paulette.”

This is first year directing and has performed in music theatre in the past.

“It’s a lot different from musical because the music sort of leads everything and helps you remember lines, but a play you have to remember lines and emotion and portray that without music guiding you,” he said.

In The Blue and the Grey, Charlie can see ghost and struggles to find peace by confronting the living and the dead.

“Charlie is a normal girl and she begins to question her sanity,” said senior Abby Olson who plays Charlie.  

Shows start 7 p.m. Friday in room 101 at Douglas High School and continue 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $10 at the door and is free to students who can present a school I.D and wear black in support of the drama tech.