Thomasville City Schools drama program will perform “Working,” its Region 1-AA Runner-Up One Act competition play, on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at the MacIntyre Park Middle School Auditorium.

On top of placing second at region, Morgan Savatgy won Best Supporting Actress and R.J. Elzy won Best Supporting Actor. 

“Working” is based on a book by Studs Terkel and was made into a musical by Stephen Schwartz. It was later revised in 2012 by “Hamilton” writer Lin Manuel Miranda. The play explores the lives of everyday people who work in America and what their jobs are like. Jobs portrayed range from a housewife to a fireman, from a millworker to a UPS man, and from a truck driver to a flight attendant. 

When selecting a piece for One Act this year, director Casey Dyksterhouse, also Scholars Academy theatre teacher, knew a musical would be best because of the strong singers among the group this year. Each year, Dyksterhouse tries to find something different that develops the skills and stretches the students’ talents.

One thing that makes the play truly interesting and engaging is the realness of the characters being portrayed.

“‘Working’ is challenging because the characters are real-life working people,” Dyksterhouse said. “The stories being told are true, so believability and authenticity in the acting is important.”

Preparing for One Act takes a lot more than people would think. The young actors and actresses spent two months memorizing their monologues, learning lyrics and choreography, and rehearsing during weekends and late nights — not to mention the search for costumes and the amount of time spent constructing the set and prop pieces is also a big part in putting together the show.

Savatgy said when preparing for One Act she tells herself that mentally she is capable, strong, and determined to win, not individually, but for the school. 

“If I Could Have Been,” Elzy said, is his favorite number because it captures the meaning of the musical. 

“It hits the audience hard with its relatability because everyone wonders about what they could’ve been, what they still could be,” he added. 

Every person who is a part of One Act is proud of the work they have put into the show. The audience really sees how passionate and hard-working the students are when they are on stage performing.

“It is an ensemble show so there are no lead characters. One actor is a part of the show just as much as another; it is truly a group effort,” Dyksterhouse said.

The cast includes: Zack Artz, Carl Blackmore, Matthew Cline, Logan Delarber, Emily Dixon, Fredrick Drayton, RJ Elzy, Reid Harbin, Savannah Jackson, Sebastian James, Tristen Logue, Bowen Miller, Hannah Ouzts, Miranda Roberson, Morgan Savatgy, Mallory Singletary, and London Weir.

Another challenge of One Act competition is crew members must expertly move sets on and off and completely clear the stage within 55 minutes. The show could not go on without the helpful crew, which includes: Sam Bruhn, Sydney Mckay, Ella Millere, Rosalie Millere, Megan Ouzts, Will Rawlings, Aubrey Sawyer, Mya Tedford, Samuel Watts, Mason West, and Oliver Yant. 

The main goal Dyksterhouse hopes to gain from this production is to inspire deeper thinking in all audience members and to create compassion and understanding for all working people.  

“One Act is about dedication, friendship, vulnerability, growth, and having fun,” Dyksterhouse added.