written by Journalism student, Lincoln N.
New Life Academy’s original One Act production “Nevermore” took first place at the Sectional competition this past Saturday. This means that the production will be making an appearance at the State One Act Festival this Thursday.
“Going to State is a great opportunity, not only to perform our show one last time, but also be able to witness other top-tier One Acts,” insists cast member Carleigh Bogue.
This is just the latest success that will be enjoyed by New Life’s One Act. The last two shows, “One Night in Hollywood” and “Writer’s Block”, earned similar plaudits for their writing and performances. “One Night in Hollywood” got second place in sectionals in 2024, while the “Writer’s Block” production went the distance and made it to State in 2023.
The show, which was written by Mrs. Gina Kortuem and is being co-directed by both Kortuem and New Life alumni Jack Moorman, is all about the life of famous writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe.




Kortuem and Moorman have made an excellent team during this production, creating a catalyst for the cast to perform their best. Moorman was a member of Mrs. Kortuem’s original One Act cast in 2020, which makes this production extra special for the full-circle aspect of it.
In past years, the One Act shows have had a comedic element and style to them. This year, Mrs. Kortuem wanted to write a show that had literary roots to it. She felt that using the life of an incredibly famous and renowned writer like Poe was the perfect way to accomplish the goals she had for the show.
We were able to create in a different way than we have in the last few years. Rather than laughter, we discovered and worked with deeper emotions and the ways we could convey the hope that still exists in them.
Kate F., cast member
The show is about both the writings of Poe, but also the man behind the pen. It features both the story of his life and vignettes of his stories. Famous works such as “The Raven”, “The Tell Tale Heart”, and “The Cask of Amontillado” are all brought to life.
After placing second in subsections on Jan. 25, the crew still felt they were in the mix to make it to State. The excitement around this year’s win, especially after agonizingly missing out on making it to State last year, was almost palpable.
“Our Sectional performance went very well,” continues Carleigh. “We had the most confidence in ourselves and our performance.”
New Life placed first at Sections, beating out St. Paul Academy, who placed first the weekend before with their show, “The Little Prince.”
Winning Sectionals means that the cast will perform their final show, the State appearance, on Thursday, February 6th at 9:15 at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine’s University.