Fossil Ridge’s best and most talented actors and actresses are often gathered in the music hall after school nowadays. It’s not just a hangout spot, I hope you know. There is something very big and very exciting that has been being pulled together by all the drama kids since November: One Acts. One Acts are short shows directed by seniors, three of which were chosen out of six applicants. They are in charge of the casting, costuming, lighting and every movement of their show. One of the three shows, called “Gift of the Magi”, is directed by Kelsey Easton.

Easton first became interested in directing when she acted and noticed that she had a different translation of the script than the original director. She always had a clear picture of what was happening when she read scripts and books, and she felt determined to put what was in her mind on the stage. It took sending an application, which was composed of an explanation of her plan for the play she chose as well as reasons for why she should be chosen, to Kristin Rust, a teacher here at Fossil, as well as an interview with Rust in order to be accepted. She and all the other senior applicants were warned by Rust of the problems and stresses of directing and made sure they were all ready before interviewing them.

Easton chose an age old story, “Gift of the Magi”, which many of us may recognize as “The Mickey Mouse Christmas Story”, in which both partners in a romantic relationship (in this instance, Jim and Della) sell their most prized possessions in order to buy an accessory for the other’s most prized possession. Easton’s ideal message to the audience is that happiness doesn’t necessarily correlate to wealth.

Another senior director, Caleb Bay, chose “The Apple” as his One Act. Junior Ali Randel will be appearing as the eccentric art critic Ebee in the production. Randel comments that it’s a joy to work with everyone in the production, and is particularly impressed with the director and all his hilarity. Randel is also the costumer for the school’s acting program. “The Apple”, “Gift of the Magi”, and the performance being directed by Savannah Lloyd, “Last Night in London”, will all be premiering on January 24th and will continue to play on the nights of the 25th and 26th until 7 pm. They will be located in the Black Box and tickets are $6 for everyone. (That means you, parents!). It is strongly suggested by Ms. Rust that students and parents alike buy tickets in advance online, as the last two years they have been sold out before hand. Tickets can be purchased at www.showtix4u.com.