The theater department will perform “The Children’s Hour,” followed by the Fall Showcase on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” and the improv show will follow on Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

“It’s going to be a very busy week of performances,” sophomore Shae Duggan said. “It is a lot, but our department is very equipped to take it on, and I’m very excited for that week. [Director Ryan] Heitzman and our two new directors wanted to try something new this year, so this is a very trial and error type thing so far.”

“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” is a comedic work based on “Hamlet,” but is told from the perspective of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who are minor characters. From their perspective, the events of “Hamlet” appear to make no sense, but they are forced to go along with the story.

Meanwhile, “Children’s Hour” is a drama focused on two women, Martha and Karen, who have opened their own school. Mary, a troublesome child who attends the school, spreads a rumor that they are in a relationship. Senior Caitlin Kresta plays Martha in the Children’s Hour.

“I really like this show,” Kresta said. “I’m really excited for it. I think there’s some really good acting that can be really strong. My favorite part of the show is the last scene — Martha and Karen’s last scene — it’s really heartbreaking.”

Unlike “One Man, Two Guvnors,” the department’s most recent production, which was a full-length comedy, both of the shows are one act.

“The show we just did, [the cast] started working on it towards the beginning of the year,” Duggan said. “So there was a lot of last-minute things they had to do, and everybody was scrambling, but I think [“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” is] going to be slightly more laid back because it’s only one act.

Theater plans to perform “Children’s Hour” in competition at the Texas Thespian Festival as well, which is from Nov. 15-17. The performances from the Fall Showcase will also be used in competition at the festival.

“I’m actually nervous to compete at the Thespian Festival with the show because this is my first year going,” Duggan said. “I am excited for it, but I’m also really nervous because it’s new and I’m just not used to it and I don’t know how I’m going to adjust just yet.”