Lake Oconee Academy’s Thespian Troupe delivered an unforgettable performance of A Monster Calls at the recent District One Act Competition, earning top honors and advancing to the upcoming Georgia High School Association State Competition on November 22, 2025.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls tells the story of a young boy grappling with loss, fear and healing through the fantastical appearance of a towering monster who helps him face his truth. The production captivated judges with its emotional depth, ensemble unity and mature storytelling. The hard work and artistry of our cast and crew were reflected in their many accolades, including:
Award Highlights:
• Bryson Herbert (10th Grade) – Best Actor
• Lillian Garcia-Carreras (11th Grade) – Best Actress
• Linda Cason (11th Grade) and Audrey Lowe (10th Grade) – All-Star Cast
Laura Brennan, LOA’s theater teacher, praised her students for their commitment and passion, saying, “The actors and crew have truly outdone themselves. This year’s show demanded an incredible level of vulnerability and teamwork. The students embraced every challenge with professionalism and heart, paying attention to detail and giving their all to each performance. I’m so proud of how they connected to the story and to one another. I can’t wait to watch the cast and crew elevate the play for State.”
Named to the All-Star Cast, LOA sophomore Audrey Lowe shared how meaningful the experience was for her and her fellow performers, “Being part of this show taught us so much about empathy and storytelling. We poured ourselves into every rehearsal and to see it all come together on stage, moving the audience the way we did was amazing! Advancing to State feels like such an honor.”
As the troupe prepares for the state competition, excitement continues to build across the Titan community. A Monster Calls has not only showcased the students’ artistic excellence, but also highlighted the school’s vibrant Fine Arts program, beautifully showcasing how the power of theatre inspires and connects both students and their audiences.
Lake Oconee Academy congratulates its talented cast and crew for representing the school with excellence, artistry and Titan pride.