Cedartown’s One Act scores big in region competition.

One-Act, every thespian’s favorite and most anxious time of the year, has arrived, and Polk’s local high schools donned their battle flags for a day of competition. OneAct pits same-region high schools against each to decide who can best perform a play lasting only one act. This year, Cedartown chose to perform “A Piece of My Heart” and won first place in region, securing the group a chance to compete at the state level.

Rockmart chose to perform “The Little Prince” and unfortunately did not place in their region.

One should note that Rockmart High School and Cedartown High School are technically in different school regions- Georgia High School Association bases region on geographical location and school population- and did not compete against one another.

One-Act is judged by a panel of judges who critique everything from set, acting, story coherence, ensemble performance, and performance time. Cast and crew must have all set pieces and actors on and off the stage within a 55 minute time slot before they begin to lose points or face disqualification. Schools are allowed to perform any sort of play, as long as the performance lasts 55 minutes, including musicals or entirely original stories. Those who take first at regions take a shiny trophy and an opportunity to compete at the state level where regional lines cease to exist.

Cedartown’s One-Act history is nothing to overlook. The school has acquired 6 regional championships — counting the recent success of A Piece of My Heart- with performances of “Help Wanted,” “The Diviners,” “Of Widows and Vegetables,” “A Thousand Cranes,” and, “Hush Little Celia, Don’t Say A Word.”

While the school hasn’t taken any state championships, a strong regional performance is the best way to guaranteed a spot at the state level where they can try again. Cedartown also won best set and best ensemble during the Oct. 24 competition which could potentially give the school an edge when they compete at the state level.

Rockmart’s One-Act history is one of great success, too. RHS won the state competition with “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder,” RHS won first in region with “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” RHS won first in region with a performance of “Suddenly Last Summer,” RHS took second at region with “Proof,” and the school took second at regions with their performance of “The Christians.” While not always winning, RHS puts on strong performances have that won several alumni the “Best Actor” award. This year’s competition turned out to be an out-liar with RHS not sealing the deal on any notable award.