Every year between their fall and spring performances, the Potomac Falls theater class puts on senior directed One Acts.

One Acts are 20-to-40 minute shows that have only One Act but multiple scenes, in contrast to an actual show, where there are many acts and scenes. One Acts showcase an entire story with a mere three-to-five scenes to convey the entire story. Something that makes the One Acts here at Potomac Falls special are that they are entirely directed by seniors with the help of student producers. 

“BRAIN SUCKING”

Directed by senior Ben Shumaker, this One Act is a comedy about a character named Greeley who doesn’t have the funds to buy his fiance an engagement ring so he makes up a story that he was brainwashed by an alien. “I’ve always wanted to direct shows and write for movies so this was a good opportunity,” said Shumaker. The whole show stands out by its costumes and sound effects that fit the supernatural theme of the story. “My ultimate goal for this show is to make everyone laugh and have a good time watching my show,” said Shumaker. 

“CHECK, PLEASE”

A comedy romance that revolves around two characters that are on a mission to find their perfect person through a sea of craziness “Check, Please” is directed by senior Nadia Freidson, “All throughout high school, seniors have been doing it every year and I thought it would be a good thing to try my senior year so here I am directing a One Act,” said Freidson. To really convey the crazy world that the two characters meet in, this show has the biggest cast with many different characters.  “My hope for this show is to entertain the audience with the chaos and comedic situations the two characters face,” said Freidson. 

“FIT FOR FEET”

A comedy that follows a crazy man who believes that he’s the famous ballet dancer Nijinksy and his fiance is having second thoughts about marrying him. Directed by senior Ayyoob Saeed, who had his debut in middle school One Act, now has a chance as a senior to direct his own One Act. “What’s unique about my show is that it’s subtle about the comedy but it takes the approach of playing a character realistically and finding the comedy in the absurdity,” said Saeed. “I think that the One Acts are a great opportunity for actors to get their chance to familiarize themselves with the drama department.” Saeed hopes that his One Act makes the actors feel included in the community and that the audience has a good time.

“MISS YOU”

Following her hopes from when she was a sophomore, senior Lily Simanksi finally gets to direct a One Act play that she was waiting for since she was in middle school. “I am so glad I was given this opportunity because ever since I was a freshman I wanted to direct a One Act myself. I acted in some in the previous years, but this time I got the best of both worlds,” said Simanski. Simanski’s One Act is a romance revolving around characters that use telephones to communicate and get into a misunderstanding. “My love for history allowed me to make the One Act based in the 1960s and really incorporate the fashion of that decade into my act. It’s so fun to make that environment come alive. My only goal for this show is that everyone has a wonderful time. I had an absolute blast directing the show,” said Simanksi.