Love, loss, toxic relationships and mental illness are all topics explored Tennessee Williams’s “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The play, chosen as the 2021 One Act Play, has a long history of critical and public acclaim. 

After auditions in early December, the one act play cast has been selected for the competition which occurs in March 2021. Rehearsals are happening several times per week, getting the play ready for performance and competition. 

“This is an old play that were trying to bring into the modern age,” drama teacher Cassandra Matlock said. 

Leading the cast is junior Joshua Brookshire playing the role of Stanley.

“This would be the fifth year I’ve done one act either in middle school or in high school,” Brookshire said. ”I really enjoy doing it. There’s something I find really artistic about it and this is a really fun thing to do.” 

COVID-19 canceled the 2020 One Act Play season as the school’s cast was headed to the next round of competition. This year, the cast is having to take special precaution to prevent the spread of the disease. Brookshire was a member of the 2020 play cast who lost their chance to advance after placing 1st at zone. 

“We have to wear masks,” Brookshire said. “This is a play that gets physical between the actors, but I still think it will turn out well all things considered.”

Playing Stanley’s wife Stella is junior Zoe Picken.

“I play Stella, Blanche’s sister and Stanley’s wife,” Picken said “Stanley and Stella’s relationship is pretty toxic. Her sister and husband don’t get along which causes a conflict.”

Picken is returning to one act play this year. Last year she received All-Star Cast honors for her part as Large Stone in Eurydice. 

“I love theatre and doing one acts,” Picken said. “I’m excited because i never really had a part that was this big, and also I never really had a part that had a romantic interest. I feel like that’s going to be a new thing to explore.”

COVID protocols are having them rehearse with masks, which is challenging due to the fact that actors use their faces to express emotion.

“We can’t really rehearse facial expressions so that’s going to be one of the main challenges,” Picken said. “I’m excited to get into character and see what I can do.”