WHAT IS ONE ACT?

One-Act is an exciting and competitive theatrical event for high schools across Wisconsin, in which each participating school presents a fully-staged play of no longer than 40 minutes. Schools perform at district and sectional competitions, and some schools then advance to the state level.

The one-act format presents a host of intriguing challenges in all areas, such as script editing, acting, technical aspects, and direction. In addition, North is known for its grand sets that are quickly assembled and then disassembled during the 40-minute performance, as well as its staging, lighting, costuming, and sound. The moment the clock starts ticking, cast and crew begin the precise choreography of hauling the set pieces to the stage and assembling them—a job that requires every member of the production working in concert to do in only a few minutes. As soon as the set is complete, the opening line is delivered and the play begins. When the actors conclude the performance, cast and crew immediately begin disassembling and removing every set piece—the stage must be completely clear by the 40 minute mark.

Schools present their plays for judges at district and sectional competitions, and the schools that advance to the state level are invited to perform in the annual Wisconsin Interscholastic Theatre Festival. During the two-day competition, each qualifying school performs for a panel of judges who decide on the quality of the production and whether any extra honors will be awarded.

North Theatre has been awarded the top honor of Critic’s Choice at the Wisconsin High School Theatre Festival every year since 1999, the only school to accomplish such a feat in the history of the festival! See below the complete list of North’s one-act productions.