The curtain fell on Thomas County Central High School’s TC Masquers region performance with several accolades waiting in the wings.

The group placed third at Region 5A One Act Competition Oct. 22. TC Masquers performed “Digging up the Boys” by Laura Lundgren Smith. The story is about three men trapped in a collapsed mine and the women aboveground who love them and are trying to rescue them.

“For this year's competition, we hit the ground running at the start of the school year and have put in three hour rehearsals nearly every day after school and some five-six hour rehearsals on weekends,” sponsor Gabrielle McMullen said. “This led to success for our actors and crew by pushing them with a more professional schedule. We were so happy to share this story and show with everyone. Taking home these accolades just reinforces how proud I am of the TC Masquers.”

Performers Molly Grace White and Stephen Sykes were named to Region 5A One Act All Star Cast.

The award is given to the top 10 overall performers, Sykes explains.

“I am incredibly honored to have received this award for the second year in a row,” he said. “Everyone in my cast is an all-star to me because everyone worked hard and put in their all to make this an amazing show.”

Molly Grace White is super excited with her placement.

“I’m a freshman and this is my first year [with TC Masquers],” she said. “When I heard, I was just elated.”

Also, the group won first place for its set design. The show’s set was designed by Ryne Mimbs and built by previous drama students, McMullen said. It was painted by TCMS paraprofessional Sarah Glass and students Olivia Owens, Bailey Bush and Jenaya Coleman.

Coleman, who served as part of the show’s run crew, feels the set’s simplicity and functionality is what made it stand out from other entries.

“I am proud to say that not only was I a part of an amazing show, but I helped create the first place set,” she said.