Appleton North High School Theatre Takes ‘Metamorphoses’ to State Competition

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — An almost 25 year winning tradition. Appleton North High School Theatre takes it’s one act play, Metamorphoses, to the 2023 Wisconsin Interscholastic State Theatre Festival Final competition at U.W. Green Bay on Friday.

Nominated for three Tony Awards, Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses brings the Greek myths of Ovid to life.

Every fall, qualifying high schools from around the state compete with a timed 40 minute one act play. That means crews must put up the set, perform, and strike the set within that time frame. Plays that go over 40 minutes are automatically disqualified.

A panel of four judges, who are theatre professionals, pay close attention to acting technique and production quality, and may give awards for outstanding acting, outstanding direction, outstanding ensemble, outstanding crew, and the highest honor of all; the critics choice award.

Only a handful of schools are given the critics choice award; which Appleton North has received the past 24 years in a row.

“In the 100 year history that the state theatre festival has existed, there has never been a school that has taken that top award for as many consecutive years in a row as Appleton North,” said director Ronald Parker.

Nearly 2,000 high school students will participate in this year’s festival. Less than half of the competing high schools typically qualify for state after having competed in both district and sectional meets held in October and early November.

“One act is definitely the most unique production I’ve been a part of,” said senior Audra Jenike, who plays Alcyone. “It’s such a thrill, and it all happens so quickly. We put the show together for three weeks before we had our first competition.”

Appleton North’s one act production of Metamorphoses is made of 40 cast and crew. Senior Eryn Lemmert, who plays Midas, says it’s a collaborative process.

“No one is the lead, and no one is more important than anyone else,” said Lemmert. “I think, especially in the theatre world, people can get caught up in how important they are. But the point of this is to have people grow as artists.”

Parker echoed the sentiment of teamwork.

“You see them bringing the set on, and they’re such a well oiled machine,” said Parker. “I would put these kids up against any sports team on a playing field with what’s required of them and what they do to work together as a team to reach the final goal. One act is like a sport but with lights, costumes, and a stage.”

Will Appleton North get their 25th consecutive critics choice award? Find out Friday when they perform Metamorphoses at the 2023 Wisconsin Interscholastic State Theatre Festival Final competition at U.W. Green Bay at 11:20 a.m. in the University Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

For more information about the Wisconsin Interscholastic Theatre Festival, click here.

Photos from Appleton North High School Theatre 2023 One Act Metamorphoses