The junior high one-act play troupe are now practicing at full swing as their contest day on Nov. 16 in Seymour approaches.
Director Becky Nogle continues to emphasize the troupe’s priority of placing at contest once again this year.
“Our play is a work in progress, but this year’s goals are the same as every year,” Nogle said. “Each year we endeavor to maintain quality performances that live up to the standards of excellence expected from Archer City JHOAP.”

This year, the troupe will be performing the comedy play “Wild Strawberries” by playwright Jerry Ayers.
The plot involves Truffledina, a simple maid, wanting to just enjoy her breakfast but is forced to aid her mistress Nikolette di Nikoli in a quest. The two go on an adventure in the city where Nikolette must disguise herself as her dead brother to take care of his last will and testament. Twists and turns ensue as the narrative continues to become more and more complex.
Eighth grader and returning cast member Jocelyn Tedrow said she likes the chaotic nature of “Wild Strawberries.”
“I enjoy the crazy antics our character get into,” Tedrow said. “I just need to work on speaking louder, so my lines can get across to the audience and carry on the plot.”
While acting as a crew member behind the scenes, eighth grader Ian Graves said he enjoys seeing the shenanigans of the play unfold on stage.
“One of my favorite scenes is one that involves a bizarre sword fight,” Graves said. “It is fun to see the seventh graders stepping out of their comfort zones to act out these kinds of scenes.”
Director Haley Owen said she is excited that this year’s play opens up new opportunities for the production’s set design.
“The setting of this show is described as a long, long time ago, so our set is going resemble a fairy tale vibe in the way that we design it,” Owen said. “Think princesses and castles-type things along with some hints of our set being a forested area.”
While some newcomers might be intimidated by the pressures of memorizing lines and performing in front of a live audience, seventh grader Whit Parkey said he doesn’t have any worries concerning competition and simply feels comfort from being in a collective group.
“I am not really nervous being on stage, especially thanks to the supportive community OAP has allowed me to take part in,” Parkey said. “Our play is very corny and comedic, so that just adds to the fun of practicing and performing it.”
The troupe will also hold a possible dress rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 15 for the school and parents to watch.