Bob Jones’ one-act play “Standard Deviation” qualified to compete at the state Trumbauer festival. (CONTRIBUTED)

James Clemens’ one-act play “The Frogs” will compete to win the state title at the Trumbauer drama festival in Troy. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The one-act plays and scores of drama students at both James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools have advanced to the state-level Walter J. Trumbauer Drama Festival.

At the district festival on Nov. 7-8, “The Frogs” by James Clemens and “The Standard Deviation” by Bob Jones qualified to compete with other one-act plays at state at Troy State University on Dec. 4-6.

Rainsville’s Plainview High School was the third school that advanced to state from the district meet, which James Clemens hosted. Plainview’s drama teacher completed student teaching at Bob Jones with Mary Davis and Dwayne Craft.

Bob Jones, James Clemens and Plainview all received the “Best in Show” award from judges.

James Clemens had 56 individual and ensemble (IE) performances advance to state. Amy Patel directs and teaches Jets actors. Clint Merritt coordinates technical theatre.

Receiving the “Best Ensemble” award for “The Frogs” were Lexi Mecikalski, Abbie Chatelain, Amanda Jackson, Kayla Braxton, Brett Hall, Brittney Quach and Kyrie Jobb. All-Start Cast members from James Clemens are Skyler Mittman, Nadia Harden, Antonio Frisby and Becky Protos.

For Bob Jones, 93 out of 100 entries received superior rankings, Davis said. Bob Jones won “Best Set,” “Best Costumes,” “Best Actor” by Chance Novalis and “Best Actress” by Kayla Peel. Emeline Earman, Chris Gunner and Maggie Moore were selected for the All-Star Cast.

“All ‘Best of …’ awards, except one, were won by James Clemens and Bob Jones,” Craft said. “James Clemens had four in the All-Star Cast. Bob Jones had three students.” Bob Jones students who won best actor and actress weren’t eligible for All-Star Cast.

More than 90 percent of IEs for both James Clemens and Bob Jones qualified for state finals, Craft said.

Craft predicts that Bob Jones and James Clemens “are equally contentious for winning state (for one-act play). Out of the 14 plays that will (compete), our system has a pretty good chance of placing, if not winning outright.”

“Madison City Schools is currently the powerhouse in theatre in North Alabama,” Craft said.