School: Greenwood H.S. – 1-Act Play Goes to State (2021)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Travis, Johnson, Elmer

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 01 Dec 2021

Greenwood’s 1-act play advanced through district and sectional competition to be able to compete at the State Festival held at the UW-Steven Point campus on Nov. 19-20.

Greenwood performed a play titled “Bang Bang You’re Dead” by William Mastrosimone. The play took on the subject of school shootings, exploring bullying, mental illness, and the aftermath of violence.

Josh is confronted by the five victims from his shooting rampage at the school. They have returned to confront him and relive the events that led up to the moment. Josh contemplates suicide, but then chooses to take out his aggression, anger, and depression on others. Ultimately behind bars, Josh realizes what he has done, as the victims mourn the loss of their lives and futures.

Greenwood won the Critic’s Choice award, which is the highest award available to win at the state level and the first time since 2013 for Greenwood.

Greenwood also won the Ensemble award (working as a cohesive group), Technical award (for sound, lights, costumes, and props), best actor for Rogan Travis and best actress for Braelynn Johnson, and Jo Elmer won the director’s award for the second year in a row.

Returning to in-person performances for 2021, after 2020 when performances were virtual with masks, Greenwood put on a successful performance with great reviews.