Bob Jones’ performance offsets SETC expense

Bob Jones Patriot Players will compete at Southeastern Theatre Conference in Greensboro, N.C. on March 2-6. Anna McAbee as Elise and Seth Slaton as Thomas appear in “The Axeman’s Requiem,” Bob Jones one-act competition play. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Bob Jones High School’s play, “The Axeman’s Requiem,” was selected to represent Alabama at Southeast Theatre Conference (SETC) in one-act play competition.

An upcoming performance at home will help students pay for their educational ‘road trip.’ In final preparations for SETC and fundraising, Bob Jones Patriot Players will present “The Axeman’s Requiem” on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in Zompa Auditorium.

Joining Bob Jones as the other Alabama representative to SETC is James Clemens High School — an unprecedented state-level win by two school troupes from the same town.

“We’ll be competing for an unprecedented fourth ‘Best Show’ Award. Bob Jones is the only school in the nation to ever win SETC more than once; we’ve won three times,” Dwayne Craft said. Craft and Mary Davis teach theatre at Bob Jones.

As one of the largest theatre conferences in the United States, SETC will gather 20 schools from 10 states to compete for the one-act play title. While attending the conference, students can participate in workshops, audition for scholarships, watch other performances and network with professional theatre artists and supporters.

Set in 1920s’ New Orleans, “The Axeman’s Requiem” relates the sacrifices of two people to save a loved one. A familiar evil is unleashed on “The Big Easy” as they enter into a dark magic deal. The entire family will enjoy this thriller.

“These students have gained valuable experience as they collaborated with Dwayne Craft to write the one-act play they are performing,” Davis said. “Everything from sets to costumes, lighting and make-up are all carried out by students in the program.”

In addition, Bob Jones Band students were enlisted to create and perform original music for the Mardi Gras parade at the play’s beginning. Creating the essence of New Orleans, an ensemble from the cast will perform a new arrangement of the haunting ballad, “House of the Rising Sun.”

Tickets are $10 for “The Axeman’s Requiem” benefit performance on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit showtix4u.com or pay at the event. All collections will help pay expenses for their SETC trip to North Carolina.

Also, individuals can donate to Patriot Players at a Go-Fund-Me site, www.gofundme.com/xvyjtnys.