Students are in the early stages of producing and directing their very own one-act performances as Palo Alto High School’s theater department readies for its final production of the year. This year’s One Acts showcase will feature six unique plays, all of which are student produced and directed.

Instead of a single long production that takes several months to prepare for, One Acts are several smaller shows created so students can participate in a low-stress production at the end of the year.

“I’m excited to see all the different variety of shows ranging from really funny shows to more dramatic ones,” said junior Sam Kim.

The One Acts productions are generally favored in the Paly Theatre Department because they give students the opportunity to try different aspects of theater that they would not otherwise have tried.

“It’s really inclusive and it’s a really great time to go outside your comfort zone. I know a lot of actors that are working lights and sound and just the technical aspects of the show while there’s actually a lot of [stage technicians] here that are acting. It also allows students the chance to produce and direct shows.”

Sam Kim, junior

Junior Emily Zhang is going out of her comfort zone for One Acts by doing multiple stage jobs for the production.

“I’m doing both acting and tech stuff. So that means I’m acting and I’m doing hair and makeup,” Zhang said.

The Department also enjoys producing One Acts because of the low-stress environment that surrounds production of the show.

I think [One Acts] probably gets one of the bigger turnouts because it’s not the same amount of massive commitment that doing a whole show is,” said sophomore Anna Hetterly. “It’s less prep time and you don’t have to do nearly as much stage time but you still get to do the whole fun theater experience.”

Though One Acts has been an annual tradition, this year’s production marks the first year that the show will be held in Paly’s new Performing Arts Center, which offers more space and better acoustics for an overall improved experience.

“In past years, the Haymarket did get a little crowded because One Acts are usually pretty, pretty huge because we’re not all in one play, there are many groups performing,” Zhang said. “I feel like the new theater’s just going to give us a lot more space so a lot more people can come see it. [One Acts are] usually pretty popular because a lot of people who aren’t usually in theater can join in. So the space is going to be great to work with and the sound is really great.”

One Acts will be performed May 4, 3 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.