State competition scheduled for Dec. 7 in Norfolk

Potter-Dix High School drama students reached another in a series of "first" goals on Nov. 30.

The Potter-Dix One-Act team competed at the District event at Creek Valley High School Wednesday, Nov. 30, and came away with a first place plaque. They have their sights set on traveling to Norfolk for the State competition Dec. 7 and returning with first place.

One-Act is a program where a dramatic performance is compressed into 30 minutes; not, 32, not 35 — 30.

What happens when Count Dracula gets personal? You might say it is personal. He has a taste for blood, and possibly yours or mine. The Coyotes team of Potter-Dix performed a play called "Kochenderfer's Dracula." The story is designed as more comedy than suspense, drama and intrigue. Imagine a bumbling real estate agent and his fiancee meeting the Count who is seeking property. Somehow the real estate agent dismisses paleness, the fangs and lack of reflection... until he and his fiancee are taken captive and the Count thinks the realtor's fiancee is his long-lost bride. 

Then the play changes tempo.

One-Act at Potter-Dix High School is a sign of commitment. It is an extracurricular program that is scheduled after sports practices. It is competitive theater with students learning the script, designing sets and making costumes, and supported by the tech geniuses behind the scenes. Potter-Dix has 27 students taking part in the One-Act program. Many are also recognized in their sports contributions. The program includes at least 10 seniors this year.

"They come after their sports," said Morgan Boots. "They're a very committed group of kids."

This is not the first award for the Potter-Dix program. Boots said last year the One-Act team was disappointed to settle for runner-up  at State. The team is focused on returning from Norfolk with more than a second place recognition.