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After weeks of preparation for the “Infinite Black Suitcase” performance and two weeks of reworking and condensing it to prepare for the contest, Park’s theater cast showed up on competition day only to be disqualified by a rule no one had noticed.

12 different schools participated in the 6AA Subsection One Act Play Contest that took place Jan. 28 and Jan. 29. at Benilde St. Margaret’s. Park performed second on the second day of competition. After their performance actors felt they did really well and were hopeful they would move on to the next round.

Junior Connor Williams said he felt if not for the disqualification, Park would have moved on.

“I think it was the best out of our performances,” Williams said.

Unaware that food is banned on stage in this competition, two characters share a doughnut during a scene.

Sophomore Lauren VonEschen said she felt frustrated and disappointed by their disqualification.

“The doughnuts didn’t cause any harm and it was just one little thing that changed the whole competition for us,” VonEschen said.

Williams said he felt similarly to VonEschen in that the consequence for having food seemed greater than it needed to be.

“I see understand getting some points docked but getting out right disqualified seems overkill to me,” Williams said.

The students sat through the announcement of the top four schools, hoping to hear that they had placed in the rankings. After not being called, they left thinking they had not placed. While on the bus ride home theater director, Jodi Hatzenbeller, informed them that they had been disqualified.

VonEschen said the overall reaction from students initially was disbelief and confusion.

“I looked around and everyone was kinda in shock and we just thought ‘well this sucks’ because we could’ve gone on if that wouldn’t have happened,” VonEschen said.

Williams said he felt bad because Hatzenbeller was apologizing profusely as she explained what happened.

“The rule book is this huge thing for Hatz to look over and sometimes thing get overlooked but thats just the way it is,” Williams said. “Hatz explained what happened which is a shame because she is going to be way harder on herself than she needs to be.”