Drama Fest readies Bob Jones actors, entertains public on Nov. 1
“It’s a record number for both Bob Jones and the state,” drama teacher Mary Davis said. “We’re very excited and hope the community will come and support us. Drama Fest connects with the community, showing what the performing arts are here at Bob Jones.”
In its 16th year, Drama Fest will be held on Nov. 1 in and around Zompa Auditorium. All drama classes — beginning, intermediate, advanced, advanced production and technical theatre students — are involved.
At 6:30 p.m., students will present their individual events in categories for monologues, dialogues, pantomime, reader’s theatre and musical theatre, in both contemporary and classical styles.
Drama Fest will prepare students for the district drama competition, which Bob Jones will host on Nov. 3. The district meet is a precursor to the state Trumbauer Drama Festival at the University of North Alabama in December.
“Trumbauer, the high school division of the Alabama Conference of Theatre, is a competition for all local schools with individual events and one-act plays,” Davis said.
After performances of individual events, visitors will convene in Zompa Auditorium at 8 p.m. for the competition one-act play, “The Perfect Ending.”
Theatre department head B. Dwayne Craft wrote, produced and is directing the play. “Mr. Craft’s plays have been recognized in competitions worldwide,” Davis said. “This comedic one-act will have the audience laughing out loud at the absurd amounts of importance we all place on ‘being perfect.'”
In “The Perfect Ending,” Mother is having the perfect dinner party when the end of the world occurs. A throng of wild characters arrives, as Mother remains a perfect host to the very last moment, Craft said.
Show proceeds will supplement expenses for students who can’t afford to attend Trumbauer competition. “We believe strongly that money, or lack thereof, should never be a reason a child isn’t able to showcase their talent,” Davis said.
General admission tickets are $5 and will be on sale in the box office at 6 p.m. before Drama Fest.