For the annual one-act, Park’s Theater Department produced the show “Kodachrome” this winter. After performing well at sub-sections, Park came in first at finals, receiving a first-place ranking from 2 of the 3 judges. Park won the competition and qualified to go to the state showcase for the first time since 1987.
Director Jodi Schifsky said she picked “Kodachrome” for its unique story and relation to a city like Park. She said the show allowed for both actors and crew members to be challenged due to the complexity of the show.
“It’s an interesting piece because it’s narrated by a character who’s been, spoiler alert, dead the whole time,” Schifsky said. “It echoes our town, and it’s a classic play that high schools have done throughout the country for multiple decades. The show was a good fit for the kids we have right now (and) the talent we have right now. I thought this would be a good challenge for our technicians and our actors and that this is the show to let that group shine.”
Senior Declan Gaines said he was surprised to find out they were going to state. He said many of the actors themselves had low expectations for advancing in the competition, let alone qualifying for state.
“I found out we were advancing to state over a Zoom call, and I was just overall super excited because it was our first time in 37 years advancing to state,” Gaines said. “(It was exciting) especially because going into this, no one gave us a second look. Everyone kind of thought that we’re gonna finish towards last place.”
Junior Jacob Erlandson said the competitions themselves are very chaotic. He said there are a lot of strict guidelines that both the actors and the crew have to take into account when setting up and performing.
“In a lot of ways, it’s terrifying, because you’re there and you know what’s going on, but you also don’t know what’s going on,” Erlandson said. “A lot of (competition) is the crew because they’re held to a lot more specific rules than we are. A lot of times you’re trying to be helpful, but also stay out of the way.”
According to Schifsky, there was a discrepancy between the scores and the rulebook, leading to confusion. She said learning that Park did come in first was very exciting, as the department had been happy to have come in second.
“I had conflicted feelings because we actually were named second place at finals. But then, because of a Minnesota State High School League ruling, we were told that we were the winning school and that (we) would be going on instead of the school that was named first,” Schifsky said. “It took a while for that to sink in because we were just as elated to have come in second. That, in itself, is an accomplishment, but then to learn that we’re going to state is huge.”
Gaines said qualifying for state was a big accomplishment for the theater department. He said the community is comforting to many people and making it to state reflected the passion people in theater have.
“It means a lot to the program because everyone in the program just cares so much about everything we do, and everyone there wants to be there,” Gaines said. “It’s just a safe space. A lot of people thrive (in theater), and it’s a big part of their life. So it means a lot, especially given that the department doesn’t get as much attention as others do.”
According to Erlandson, it’s been a long time since Park made it to the state showcase. He said he’s unsure of what even happens from here on out, but he is excited.
“It’s the first time we’ve made it for one act since 1987, and it’s the first time in our director’s career that we’ve made it,” Erlandson said. “We’ve never even made it to subsections in my time here so it’s exciting and I have no idea what’s even going on.”
“Kodachrome” performed at the state showcase at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University.
