Last Saturday marked an exciting milestone for the Henryetta High School Drama Department, as students took the stage at the OSSAA Class 4A Regional One-Act Play Competition, held at Lincoln Christian School. This year’s entry was a notable one – either the first time ever or the first time in many years that HHS students have competed in the event.
Under the guidance of drama coach Claudia Pollard, the Henryetta program has taken on new energy and purpose. The competition appearance reflects a growing commitment to giving students another creative outlet, another chance to be on stage, and a new way to represent the school in an OSSAA-sanctioned event that can ultimately lead to a State Championship.
The One-Act competition is more than just a performance opportunity. It helps students develop skills valuable for college admissions, scholarships and public speaking, while also adding to the experience they bring to the school’s other productions.
Out of the eleven student performers and one technical team member who represented Henryetta, only two had prior experience in the school’s theatre program. The rest were newcomers to the stage, making this performance a significant step forward for both the students and the department.
Despite having limited rehearsal time – often just twenty minutes during school hours a few times per week – the group worked hard to prepare and deliver their performance. While they did not advance to the state level this year, the experience provided valuable lessons and a foundation for future success.
Pollard expressed pride in her students’ dedication and enthusiasm, noting how the opportunity has brought new energy and participation into the drama department.
Two students, Avery Perez and Alex Clayton, received All-Star Cast nominations for their performances – a significant recognition at the regional level.
The remaining students who competed and helped launch this new chapter for Henryetta’s drama program include Nora Sweeney, Nathan Nail, Mia Bailey, Kassi Sweet, Aiden Furrh, Lena White, Zaden Montgomery, Jackson Taylor and Shayna Dahl, along with Blake Clayton, who served as the technical crew member.
Their teamwork, commitment, and willingness to try something new have set the tone for what promises to be a bright future for the program.
The community will have an opportunity to see the group’s competition play, “Gossip,” when it is performed on Dec. 19 at Henryetta High School. The evening will also feature an additional play that Ms. Pollard is preparing, with auditions scheduled for the week following Fall Break.
The upcoming production will provide another opportunity for students to take the stage, especially those interested in acting who may not have experience in musical theatre.
