As Benilde-St. Margaret’s has done several times before; the theater department is currently putting together their One Act production, The Worst 9 Breakups of All Time, a short comedy by Ian McWethy. Many are excited to see the One Act and how it performs, but are also wondering, what exactly is a One Act?
This year the One Act is being directed by none other than Megan Kelly Hubbell. She has been directing BSM productions for 16 years now and, though this is her first time directing the One Act at BSM, she really enjoys it. “I feel the One Act might be my new favorite thing. Just the excitement of the students involved. I feel we have really grown this program, and empowered students as they get older to take on more positions of leadership and growth,” Hubbell said.
I feel the One Act might be my new favorite thing. Just the excitement of the students involved. I feel we have really grown this program, and empowered students as they get older to take on more positions of leadership and growth.”
— Megan Kelly Hubbell
Though some people think the One Act is just a small play, Hubbell explains what it truly is. “The One Act is a state competition. So there are places you can win. You know, first place, second place, whereas the fall musical, spring musical, [and] Junior High musical are all skill-building opportunities where we’re performing for enjoyment of the audience. This is essentially like the basketball team going to state, or you know, playing their games in order to get to state,” Hubbell said.
Senior Sophia Demars is one of the students who is involved in the One Act this year. She has been a student here for 6 years and has participated in numerous theater productions since she was in 8th grade. She likes the simplicity of the One Act and likes getting to know everyone. “I love the small cast. As much fun as it is with a bigger cast, I really like the small cast and how we all can really get to know each other and stuff,” Demars said.
Another student, sophomore Isaac Smalley, has also participated in many theater productions throughout their years at BSM. “I just love the theater department and I wanted to get involved as much as I could,” Smalley said.
The One Act has been said to be much less stressful than the traditional BSM fall and spring musicals. With students who are passionate about the industry, Hubbell is excited for the years to come. “The students are just showing up ready to work and ready to have fun and try things and this is silly, it’s a little less pressure than a full two-and-a-half-hour musical,” Hubbell said.