By Audrey Posten

Clayton Ridge students will take the stage in Garnavillo this weekend for a pair of comedic one-act plays.

“This is a Test” by Stephen Gregg shows a student who has a neurodivergent mind in the midst of a big test. 

“That mind, on stage, is going to be in the form of three girls who are the chorus in his brain. Meanwhile, there’s a teacher and students sitting there going, ‘What’s wrong?’” explained Julie Davis, one of the volunteer directors.

In “The A.I. Play” by Don Zolidis, a student does not manage time well and uses an artificial intelligence chatbot to write a paper for her. The results of the paper propel her into a new realm where she’s considered a genius and sent to a different school. 

“She finds out things aren’t as she expected they would be at a genius school. There’s kind of a fun twist at the end, but I don’t want to give it away,” Davis shared.

The two, one-act plays feature approximately 28 to 29 Clayton Ridge middle and high school students, along with a handful more who are part of the stage crew. 

With the number of participants unpredictable from year to year, Davis said two, one-act plays allow directors to utilize a range of kids.

“That way we could give everyone chances and find [plays] we could give justice to with the amount of kids we have, and give the kids a good experience,” she said. 

Rehearsals began the week after homecoming, giving students eight weeks to prepare before taking the stage. Early practices are held at the Eagles Nest in Guttenberg, but the final two weeks are on the stage in Garnavillo. 

“They’ve all been working hard to get their lines down, get their blocking down. Really, it’s this last week and a half where they get to have the extra fun when we put all the finishing touches with the props and things like that,” Davis said.

Davis credited co-directors Jason and Avonique Tipsword for leading the production and volunteer Jim Seevers, who heads up backstage operations.

“My husband also helps with the theater department. He’s a co-director for the musical in the spring, but really, it’s a team effort with all of us year-round working on things,” Davis said.

Youth learn year-round too. Umbrella Arts has graciously sponsored theater camp tuition for multiple kids for the last two to three years.

“We’ve had multiple kids who have done that and have brought back what they’ve learned,” according to Davis.

Recently, almost 20 kids attended a production, at no cost, at the University of Northern Iowa. 

“They were able to see backstage practices and stuff,” noted Davis.

Mentorship is also encouraged. 

“Our goal has been to get older kids to mentor the younger ones,” she said.

This effort will all be visible from Friday to Sunday, Nov. 7 to 9, in the auditorium at Clayton Ridge Elementary School in Garnavillo. Friday and Saturday shows will be at 7 p.m., and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2 p.m.

Free-will donations are appreciated, with all proceeds going back into the theater program. Goodies will also be available at intermission.

Davis said the plays are relatable not only for students, but adults as well.

“They should come out and see some really great and talented kids have a lot of fun on stage and have some laughs at the same time,” she said.