BHS scores second in one-act play competition

Bainbridge High School secured second place in a one-act play competition held earlier this month at Cairo High School, bringing home a trophy for the first time in three years.

The cast of students performed “That’s Not How I Remember It” by Don Zolidis, setting up, performing, and taking down their presentation in a whirlwind 55 minutes. The theatrical throwdown against other Southwest Georgia schools is classed as an athletic event under the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). Judges have a wide range of criteria, from how well performers enunciate and project their voice to the individual acting decisions they make, as well as set and stage design.

Senior Brooklynn Dawkins said the win marked a new era for the school’s drama program, setting an example for both old and new students.

“It’s like it was a breath of fresh air,” she said. “We need to live up to the specific standard and keep pushing ourselves to be the best, especially for next year.”

It’s also the first win under the direction of drama director Krystal Apke and choral director Kimberly Humphries, who joined Bainbridge’s fine arts program this year. Their experience led them to pick “That’s Not How I Remember It,” a quick comedy in which a mom and dad recall their 1980s courtship — albeit very differently. Apke said Zolidis usually has great material, and the flexible casting allowed them to introduce one-act plays to a new group of students.

“We just didn’t know who was going to come to auditions, if people were going to be excited that we were here,” Apke said. “So we picked something that we knew could be done really well that was under the 55-minute time period.”

Senior Cameron Whigham, who starred as “Dad” alongside Dawkins’ “Mom,” said this year’s performance will help motivate future casts.

“I feel like it set up the new members for victory,” he said. “I think it was low enough for them to want it next year, want it bad enough, and really work hard for it, and high enough placing to give them satisfaction this year.”

Nearly 30 BHS students, from freshmen to seniors, worked on and behind the stage to pull off the prize-worthy performance.

“We’re just proud of the whole team, how well we all came together and built this family relationship,” said junior Matthew Strickland, who played a supporting role and assisted with tech and production. “It’s really just heartwarming to see how well we all work together.”

Senior Lakyn Dean and freshman Jordyn “Apple” Glenn were named to the all-star cast. Dean fully embodied Tricia, a classic “mean girl” type — though she’s not at all like that in real life, Apke said. First-time competitor Glenn was recognized for her consistent characterization of Lola, a lead role.

Apke said the students’ accolades depended on skill, not seniority. The cast also received praise for the chemistry between their characters.

“When it comes to the students, every role is important, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a lead or a support,” Humphries added. “You’re vital to the life of the show.”

Whigham said the group was only going up after their recent performance — and that there was a lot more work to do behind the scenes.

“We’re really proud of what we’re doing because it means something, not for a trophy, but because we’re making a difference in our community and for the people outside of it,” he said.