On April 8th, the Richland Springs One Act Play participated in the AREA contest at Brownwood High School with former high school teacher at Graham, Jack Cody, serving as the judge. RSHS performed their ninth performance of the play, Close Ties by Elizabeth Diggs. Haustin Burkhart, who played Thayer, received an Honorable Mention medal as did Sara Hedley, who played the mother, Bess Frye. Receiving All-Star Cast for their work were Emily Smith, who played Grandmother Josephine and Kelyn Green, who played the dysfunctional sister, Evelyn. Other members of the cast were Elbert Thomas, who received many positive and encouraging remarks from the judge as did Brennen McGinty, Marsha McMillan, and Brooklyn McGinty. Serving as a crew member and saving the show when it nearly went overtime was Thomas Hollon. Also saving the show by playing music from the upstairs sound booth (without any notification) when the CD player would not work backstage was Stephen Fowler. Other crew members were Denim Reeves, Jonathan Patino, and Ashley Ferguson. Attending as alternate was Cheyenne Tharp. The play was directed by Patsy Hall and Pam Starr.

The Richland Springs entry was named the Alternate Play to the Regional Meet in Abilene, and Blackwell High School, who performed Picnic and Highland High School, who performed The Cover of Life were named advancing plays.

The cast, crew, and directors of Close Ties want to thank everyone who helped with the production and who attended the shows. Students performed the play nine times and received glowing remarks at the Zone Contest from McMurry University professor, Charles Hukill and from Bob Chanda of Texas Tech University at the District Contest.

The cast, crew, and alternates are now selling raffle tickets on a 32 inch, RCA, LCD, HDTV for $1.00 each to make money to help pay for some of their expenses. Please continue to support One Act Play by buying chances on the TV which has been donated by the First Christian Church of Richland Springs. The TV will be given away on May 7th at the All Sports Banquet.