“One-Act” is a competitive event which involves high schools from across Wisconsin.  Each participating school must prepare and present for evaluation a fully-staged play of no longer than 35 minutes. The plays are presented at District and Sectional competitions across the state.  Those who “advance” at these levels are invited to take part in the Wisconsin High School Theatre Festival held each year in November.   During the two-day festival, each qualifying school then performs for a panel of three judges that adjudicates the performance and decides on the quality of the production and what honors, if any, should be awarded.  

In addition to the honor of performing at the Festival, there are various awards, which can be earned.  A CRITIC’S CHOICE award can be given to those schools that are considered the “best of the best.”  Each year, only a handful of schools are given this award. North has won this award for the past ten consecutive years.   Individual students can also receive OUTSTANDING ACTING AWARDS, and the entire cast can be given an ENSEMBLE ACTING AWARD.  There is also a DIRECTOR’S AWARD, which can be given to the school.  North has received numerous acting, ensemble, and directing awards.  North was also selected to showcase a full-length musical to over 3000 high school theatre students and teachers at the Festival.

Along with the fun and excitement of attending various high school productions, workshops taught by theatre professionals are offered as part of the Theatre Festival.