The Random Acts of Drama in the Cultural Arts Building last Thursday and Friday treated the audience to original performance art scripted by Page High students. The one act plays showcased the talents and imagination of the students who were chosen from the Page High School Drama Club’s playwriting contest. Special intermission skits between plays were held as a bonus during the event.

Four plays were chosen among the entries and the first to premiere was “Country Conflict” written by Riley Talbot. This play was a satirical comedy that addressed the fears and reality of the growing tension with North Korea. The cast was assigned to be a country from among the powerful nations. They took the character of a dysfunctional family always arguing. This play emphasized the underlying concerns our youth have about the political arena and the fears of a nuclear war. This was a major food-for-thought play that can be used as a platform to discuss political concerns with your child.

The first bonus performance was Mya Lively who sang ‘Doctor Said’ written by Chloe Adams. Then Hannah Kelly stepped on stage to sing an original song she wrote titled “Screwed”. Both were a true bonus to the evening.

Up next was “Waiting for Glob” by Corey Albert, which was a theater performance style play complete with a cynical misfit. The misfit finds himself surrounded by over opinionated hippies and the truth about himself.

A one-day only treat on Thursday night was Cammie Robinson and Alexis Anderson’s original poem, “Behind the Mask”.  Anna Kuklis then read a poem she’d written titled ‘Original Poem’ on Friday night only.

The third play was titled “Beautiful Dawn” written by Marla McPherson and performed by the Unity Club. This powerful play addressed domestic violence, alcoholism, and assimilation. The play also highlighted Native American youths’ growing want and inner need to learn more of their cultural beliefs and language. This play had all members of the audience relating to the message that positive change begins with communication, faith and family no matter their ancestral roots.

The next intermission talent was Kolby and Patrick Kendall, twins who choreographed a dance routine to a music smash. The Kendall brothers brought down the house when they surprised everybody who thought they knew them with awesome dance moves. They were fluid in their moves, and because they are twins, mirrored each other, and then gave one another the room for individual expression in their routine. This collaboration was a visual treat for the audience and their choice of matching wardrobe made the performance more fun.

The last play, “Not So Scary Story” written by Emma Lassen and Arabell Grimshaw was a spoof on a scary story that goes awry when the story starts to go off in another direction. It was later revealed by a character to be a prank until the police show up when the actors start to mysteriously drop dead. The students acknowledged their playwriting skills by using the ‘fourth wall’ terminology that was discovered to be hijacked from the original play by the character of Sam. This play had great acting and was funny as well. The audience loved it and was a perfect end to a night of seeing fresh talent in action.
The Playwriting Contest’s first place winner was “Country Conflict” by Riley Talbot. People’s Choice award goes to “Not So Scary Story” by Emma Lassen and Arabell Grimshaw. Honorable Mention went to “Bully Chronicles” by Jaden Sisk; “Do You Believe In Murder?” by Laura Skaggs; and “Hunter’s Beginnings” by Dennison Yellowman.