Thomas County Central High School’s TC Masquers claimed a piece of school history when their “A Piece of My Heart” production won the Georgia High School Association State One Act competition for its 4-A region over the Thanksgiving break.
“The state competition officials announced the winners from fourth-place and up, out of six schools,” performer Carson Chapman said. “Once second place was announced, I honestly lost hope. We competed against schools with much bigger budgets, cast, crew, and overall resources. Plus, watching almost every performance before performing last was a bit nerve-wracking. … But…we heard our school. We won! I ran up to the stage in such shock and speed that one of my shoes came off in the auditorium aisle!”
Sophomore Natalee Ballangee, 15, who served as a light technician and assistant stage manager, had a similar reaction.
“When I found out that we won, I jumped up from my chair and just dashed to the stage with my friends,” she said. “I could not comprehend what was happening; I was so happy for us. I am just so ecstatic about TCCHS winning state competition for the first time in our school's history.”
According to TCCHS drama teacher and one act director Gabrielle McMullen, the one act event was a combined element of literary competition until 1999. After it became a separate event, the school’s one act production advanced to state two previous times – 2003 and 2020 – but this is the first year TCCHS won a state competition.
“This was a major accomplishment,” McMullen said. “I am so immensely proud of all students who were involved in this production! Each year, students worry that because we don’t have a flashy set or any spectacles—this year, we told dynamic stories using only five camouflaged boxes—that we won’t place well at competition, but I always remind them that one act is an acting competition, and that’s why we focus on the areas that we do for it.”
The news thrilled junior Charley Creager, who played Leeann in the show.
“I was, and continue to be in shock, in the best way possible,” she said. “In the course of this show, there were many points that we felt that we should just throw in the towel, but we gave it our all. This achievement will forever serve as a huge milestone [for me] as a student performer.”
No small feat in any year, several unusual factors impacted show preparations and contributed to this win’s magnitude. For example, TCCHS could not perform its first complete run-through until six days before its initial community performance with the region competition – which it won – a mere five days afterward. Furthermore, McMullen began maternity leave one month before region competition, making this season unlike any other under her tutelage. Nevertheless, thanks to alumni students Cameron Parker and Megan Clark, who acted as assistant directors, and parent and school system employee Misty Taylor, the TC Masquers remained focused on their show.
“As a teacher, I am so immensely proud that both past and present students care enough about their craft to make this production possible,” McMullen said. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who made this win possible when the odds seemed stacked against us!”
In addition to the state title, actors Savannah Taylor and Ransom Young earned spots on the GHSA One Act State All Star Cast.
“I am so proud of Savannah and Ransom for earning spots on the all-star cast,” McMullen said. “Savannah read this show as part of a project her freshman year and loved the character of Whitney so much. Her connection to this character was so apparent in her performance; she truly became the American Red Cross girl Whitney. I was shocked when they called Ransom’s name because, while the roles of the American Men are integral in telling the stories of these nurses, they aren’t exactly ‘meaty’ roles. However, Ransom is an actor who truly embodies ‘there are no small parts, only small actors’ and made such differentiations in each American Man he portrayed even when he wasn’t speaking.”
The play, written by Shirley Lauro, centers on the experiences of four Vietnam War nurses/American Red Cross members who, through witnessing triumphs and tragedies on both sides, gain self-actualization. And after returning home, each woman pays an homage to the war that changed her forever.
Chapman, 15, calls the play a 40-minute production that lives up to its name because it can tear viewers’ hearts to pieces just like Vietnam did those who lived it. Not much of a history person, Chapman knew almost nothing about the often-overlooked Vietnam War before the production. Plus, his character Bruce, whom Chapman describes as a narcissistic, abusive alcoholic, is a personality completely unlike Chapman’s, which initially scared the young performer.
“It was incredibly challenging,” he said. “I'm naturally quiet, I barely get angry, and it's not a pretty role to play anyway. However, this unprecedented opportunity gave me so much more confidence in my acting. I loved how the ‘Bruce and Whitney’ scene, in which I slapped Whitney (a nurse) for not sleeping with me, juxtaposed the highly romantic scene with another couple beforehand. I'm proud, in a way, to have played such a revolting character because ‘Bruces’ truly existed. Not only were nurses in Vietnam traumatized by the war itself, but many were traumatized by the soldiers themselves. It's a difficult story to tell—and watch—but I loved being a part of it.”
Although not under the spotlights, Ballangee explains how the show’s crew is as important as its cast. While the actors worked on bringing these characters to life, the crew focused on making the technical aspects shine as brightly as possible.
“Crew is the inner glue that holds the show together,” she said. “Whether it is a flashy show or not, there's just so much that goes into efforts while backstage, and there's always something new to learn. We are also able to give cast members and directors new ideas.”
Aside from these kids’ raw talent, McMullen thinks part of the production’s magic is how the students connected with the script about real experiences many Americans lived during the Vietnam War. She ensured everyone understood the war’s significance and handled the material seriously. And this effort is something every student interviewed noted when asked what they believe made this show stand out.
“What made this year's one act production so special was because we told a story that, while it may not have been true for my generation, was the harsh reality of brave men and women who had gone before us,” Creager, 16, said.
And their dedication showed in the students’ performance, McMullen adds.
“I think that the way the kids told the story of these people really touched the judges’ hearts,” she said. “During our performance at state, the judges literally stopped writing down any notes and just watched the performance, which is something I have never seen a judge do at one act before. I think the fact that the students tried so hard to ‘honor the brave men and women who served so well and gave so much’ just came across and helped to enthrall the entire audience, including the judges!”
The minimal set helped put focus on the performers as they conveyed the play’s emotions to their audience, too, Ballangee adds.
“Even though the set was small, it stood out because of how well the story and the emotions were portrayed to the audience,” she said. “We really did take a piece of the audience's heart.”
Chapman recalls encountering such reactions from audience members.
“I think hearing people thank us, even with tears in their eyes, for spreading the word of the neglected Vietnam War is what made this experience so special for me,” he said. “I feel like I've made an impact.”
Several special recognitions for the one act cast and crew are currently in the works, including state championship rings and letterman jackets for junior and senior members with at least two-year involvement in the annual one act play, another first for TCCHS drama students. Also, the TC Masquers plan to restage their production of “A Piece of My Heart” for the community soon.
“I just want to say that I am so thankful and proud of everyone involved in this production,” McMullen said. “I thank the entire community for its support of this entire troupe!”
And all youth involved in the production believe their participation changed them for the better. For example, this was Chapman’s first time performing in one act competition, but it’s an experience to remember.
“Because we couldn't depend on a large budget, just thinking about how we only relied on acting makes me much more confident in my abilities,” the sophomore said.
Creager said it was an honor to work with talented cast and crew members who were great teammates and friends she’ll have for a lifetime. And Ballangee feels driven to continue her theatrical passion.
“I'm just so glad I got to know everyone on set and experience different ideas with them,” Ballangee said. “As a student thespian, this victory was absolutely mind-blowing, especially since it was my first one act play ever. It really made me understand just how much I've grown in the span of a few months in theater and how much I'll continue to learn.”