Last week, the Bob Jones Patriot Players traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, for six days to compete at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), brought home a trophy, had an amazing memory, and delivered an unprecedented performance. They were a great representation of the Theatre program at Bob Jones and the State of Alabama
SETC is the largest theatre conference in the United States, connecting ten states. The annual convention features workshops and classes hosted by professionals designed to help teens and adults launch their careers in the arts, network with experienced practitioners, and acquire complex skills. There is also a competition for high schools nationwide to showcase their One-Act Plays.
On March 18th, the cast and crew flew to Washington, DC, and spent their first night in the hotel. Early on the 19th, they retrieved their costumes from the set truck and took them back to the hotel to prepare for their performance the following day. For a change of pace, the students visited the National Aquarium in Downtown Baltimore, exploring the depths of the ocean before surfacing at The Shops at Canton Crossing. They spent a few hours there eating and shopping, before attending an incredible magic show hosted by Spencer Horsman at Illusions Bar and Theater. His performance was an enjoyable experience, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area!
After a long day of fun, the cast and crew returned to the hotel. The technicians reviewed their plans for the next day and addressed any last-minute concerns, while the actors participated in what we call a “glib,” a read-through of the show treated like the actual performance to prepare them for their show.
On the morning of March 20th, the students had the opportunity to watch La Dispute from Bearden High School and were excited to support another amazing production. After that, they scrambled to get lunch before getting ready for their own performance.
The award-winning play Stuck With You, written by our very own Jesse Tilton and directed by Mary Davis, was performed for the last time on March 20th, 2025, at the SETC Competition, held at the beautiful Lyric Opera House in Downtown Baltimore. The Patriot Players delivered a fantastic final performance, receiving glowing reviews from fellow thespians and judges alike.
Following the show, the students took a dinner break and then attended two more performances: Kodachrome from New World School of the Arts and The Coloring Book from Daviess County High School, both of which were extremely entertaining. The last show ended around 11 PM, with more performances scheduled for the next day. On March 21st, the students watched plays at the Lyric and explored the workshops at the nearby convention center. The day’s plays included The Velveteen Rabbit, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Bird of the Sea: An Original Play, Anon(ymous), Failure: A Love Story, The Chronicles of Atom and Luna, The Greek Olympiaganza, Life Without Rue, and The Lost Boy.
Saturday, March 22nd, marked the final day of activities for Bob Jones. They visited the Arundel Mills Mall for a shopping trip before preparing for the Awards Gala. The Gala is where all the high school One-Act plays gather to receive awards, enjoy desserts, and partake in a fun night of dancing and socializing. It allowed students to connect with other show participants, congratulating them on their outstanding performances.
When the awards were announced, Bob Jones earned recognition in the Top 5 Best In Show, Best Costumes, Best Supporting Actor (Tyler Hatten), and three All-Star Cast Members (Maggie Lawley, Sarah Pierce, and Cypress Bryce). These achievements are something to be incredibly proud of. Congratulations to all the other winners, and thank you to everyone who made SETC possible. Amazing job, Patriot Players!
