Â鶹´«Ã½AV

As the Bistline Theatre went quiet and lights came up on stage, 15 high schools across Idaho showcased their theatre talents while competing in Â鶹´«Ã½AV’s annual One-Act Competition, held April 24-25 at Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Students performed short, 30-minute theatrical productions that ranged from humorous tones to more serious and emotional. An evaluation took place afterward for constructive feedback from a panel of three judges: Molly Seremet, director, devised theatremaker, writer, educator, and associate professor and chair of theatre at Mary Baldwin University; Jacob Claflin, English and theatre instructor at the College of Eastern Idaho with a background in Shakespeare studies and technical theatre; and Sarah Hymes, ISU faculty member and artist, director, and educator with experience in regional and international theatre. 

In addition to the competition, various workshops were led by ISU students, faculty, and guests that explored different aspects of theatre, including stage makeup, playwriting, music, improv, costume design, lighting design, and more. A smaller competition called Tech Olympics invited small teams of students for a technical theatre race. Students were also invited to attend ISU’s production of “Emme and the Taking of the Woods,” written and directed by ISU faculty member Jef Petersen. 

“It’s really exciting to see kids in high school who are interested or passionate about theatre and to see the work that they are capable of doing,” said Hunter Angus, an ISU junior minoring in theatre. “It’s people who are potentially going into college to do theatre or getting involved in community theatre, and it’s exciting to see that trajectory. With the workshops, they give them tools to go further into theatre. There are so many facets in theatre, and we want to help nurture whatever these kids are interested in doing.”

“It’s so fun to see people who are going to be you in a few years,” said Hannah Jensen, an ISU theatre student and president of Alpha Psi Omega, a theatre fraternity. “You get to lead things like this and go into all these workshops and have an extra chance within the year to perform with your friends.” 

As students went from workshop to workshop, the hallways were filled with laughter and smiles, and energy remained high during each performance as the crowd reacted to their peers. 

"The workshops were so fun, and I'm so glad I got to experience them as a senior.  One of the plays was phenomenal, and I don't think I'll ever forget it," said Beighlie Ely, a senior at Highland High School. 

Some students were participating for the first time, while others returned for multiple years, including Canyon Ridge High School student Lexie Lewis, in her second year at One-Act. “It’s always been a really good experience. I really love performing on thrust stages with multiple audiences. It’s just much more interactive.”

For Skyline High School students Harper McDevitt and Lilly Nichols, visiting with other high schools was a big highlight of the event, allowing them to make new connections and learn more about what other schools are doing. 

“I’ve learned that theatre is a very widespread and great community. Everybody here is supportive and kind to each other. It’s a great place for everyone,” said McDevitt. 

The One-Act Competition is held annually in April by the Department of Theatre and Dance at Â鶹´«Ã½AV. Those interested in learning more can visit the department’s website. 

2026 One-Act Competition Award Winners

Best in Show
Garden Valley High School - Future, Here

Top Three One-Acts
Century High School - The Rhinoceros
Skyline High School - The Mousetrap
Thunder Ridge High School - Almost, Maine

Best Ensemble
Idaho Falls High School - La Corregidora

Best Leading Performers
Leif Anderson - Century High School
Cass Smith - Highland High School

Best Supporting Performers
Brooklyn Dooley - Thunder Ridge High School
Lina Budge - Skyline High School

Judge’s Choice Original Play
Mylee Martin - Highland High School

Tech Olympics 
Thunder Ridge High School

All-Star Cast Medallion Recipients
Matthew Myers - Canyon Ridge High School
Ashlynn Morris - Emmett High School
Pepper Kelm - Twin Falls High School
Tyson Corry - Blackfoot High School
Carsyn Forrest - Castleford High School
Sasha Durtschi - Skyline High School
Benjamin Strock - Thunder Ridge High School
Nadia Cisneros - Bliss High School
Callee Entzel - Snake River High School
Kelsie Cox - Idaho Falls High School
Allan Riley - Century High School
Haylee Merriam - Line Point Academy
Lexi Neilsen - Line Point Academy
Pilot Bulak - Highland High School
Milo Dixon - Sandpoint High School
Mayzie Mathiason - Garden Valley High School