*All photos are credited to Paul Schmidt at Hawk Creek Photography
This January, ACGC Schools proudly opened its doors—and its stage—to host the MSHSL Subsection One Act Play Competition, welcoming seven schools from across the region for a full day of performance, storytelling, and student artistry. It was a day filled with energy, collaboration, and an incredible showcase of what high school theatre can be.
From the moment the first bus arrived to the final curtain call, ACGC transformed into a hub of creativity. While hosting such an event comes with its challenges, the day unfolded with remarkable success thanks to the dedication of staff, students, and community members working together behind the scenes.
🎬 Behind the Scenes: Making It All Happen
Hosting a One Act competition requires months of preparation, coordination, and teamwork. Every detail matters—from stage scheduling and timing regulations to hospitality and technical support.
Mr. Zupke served as the Site Manager and Emcee, guiding the day with professionalism, organization, and a welcoming presence that set the tone for all visiting schools. Supporting him was an outstanding team:
Jolene Nelson, who kept the competition running precisely on time as the official timekeeper
Alex Klinger, who provided critical technical support, helping schools adapt to ACGC’s unique stage and lighting setup
Tiffany Kleidon and Matt Zupke, who ensured directors and judges were well cared for throughout the day
In addition, ACGC’s Theatre Leadership Committee (TLC) and student actors stepped up as hosts, guides, and even concession workers—showcasing not only their talent, but their leadership and hospitality.
Despite some limitations with lighting, sound, and space, the ACGC team rose to the challenge, working collaboratively with visiting directors to ensure every school had a positive and supportive experience.
🎭 The Performance: The Haunting of Mary Todd Lincoln
ACGC’s entry, The Haunting of Mary Todd Lincoln, was a bold and emotionally charged production that left a lasting impression on audiences.
The play explored the grief, trauma, and psychological unraveling of Mary Todd Lincoln following the assassination of her husband and the loss of her children. Through a haunting blend of history and imagination, the production brought to life the voices—both real and imagined—that surrounded her.
At the center of it all was a powerful performance by Addison Barnes as Mary Todd Lincoln. With remarkable intensity, vulnerability, and emotional depth, Addison captured the complexity of a woman caught between memory and madness.
Surrounding her were the chilling and ever-present Whispering Women, portrayed by: Jaida Wendinger, Jennica Forsythe, Natalie Barnes, Juliana Schmidt, Kylie Anderson, Khloe Woltjer, Adrianna Anderson, and Mila Edberg.
These performers created an atmosphere of constant tension—circling, pressing, and embodying the voices of judgment that drove Mary further into isolation.
Balancing that intensity were the grounded performances of the living characters:
Obed Diaz as Dr. Nichols
Lauran Arndt as Elizabeth Keckley
Onyx Norton as Robert Todd Lincoln
And adding emotional depth through memory and loss were:
Cole Miron as Abraham Lincoln
Cam Haugen as Willie Lincoln
Finn Rierson as Tad Lincoln
Together, the cast created a moving and layered performance that challenged both performers and audience members alike.
👗 The Power of Design: Costumes & Visual Storytelling
One of the most striking elements of the production was its costume design, which played a vital role in bringing the world of the play to life.
Mary Todd Lincoln appeared in a layered black mourning gown—heavy, textured, and symbolic of the grief she carried. The Whispering Women, envisioned in full black funeral attire with veils, created a haunting visual presence, reinforcing the themes of mourning, judgment, and psychological pressure.
Special thanks to Alex Klinger for his contributions to costuming and technical design, helping shape the visual identity of the production.🌟 A Program on the Rise
While ACGC did not advance to the next level of competition, the performance was a tremendous success in every way that matters.
Students performed with confidence, discipline, and heart. They supported one another, embraced the challenge of complex material, and delivered a production they—and their community—can be incredibly proud of.
Over the past decade, the program has seen incredible growth. What began as small casts of 12–15 students with just a few crew members has evolved into a thriving program, with recent productions featuring 35 students on stage and 15 behind the scenes.
This growth has been fueled by student enthusiasm, peer encouragement, and strong community support. Teachers have noted students finding confidence and voice through theatre, and parents have shared stories of transformation—of shy students discovering belonging, purpose, and a second family within the program.
❤️ Community Support & Looking Ahead
The success of this event and this production would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the ACGC community. From staff and volunteers to parents and audience members, the encouragement and belief in these students continue to make a lasting impact.
Hosting the One Act competition was more than just an event—it was a celebration of student creativity, resilience, and collaboration.
And for ACGC Theatre, this is only the beginning.
