The District One-Act Theatre Festival was held at Pulaski County High School on Saturday, Nov. 3. In a very close decision, Pulaski County placed first and Salem placed second. The judges ranked the plays in a tie and the tie-breaker was points. Pulaski County had 290 points and Salem had 287. Both plays advance to Regionals at Magna Vista High School on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Salem’s play is “Tall Tales,” which is part of “The Kentucky Cycle” by Robert Schenkkan. It takes place in 1888, and a slick con man, played by Sam Valentine, cheats a family out of the mineral rights to their land. The family loves the land and the trees which are decimated when coal is exhumed. Katelyn Barker plays Mary Anne, a young girl who is mesmerized by the con man. Her parents are played by Ryan Nolen and Megan Gauck. Mary Anne’s boyfriend, Tommy, is played by Dylan Wade. Katherine Nelson plays an older Mary Anne who remembers the incident.

Eight all-district acting awards were presented, and Salem students received three of them. Katherine Nelson and Katelyn Barker were honored, as was Sam Valentine who tied with a Pulaski County student for top honors of the day. The play was directed by drama teacher Rachel Sailer. Ben Bowery and Katie Marie Hester operated the lights. Nicki Kelly operated the sound.

Submitted by Rachel Sailer, drama teacher at Salem High School.