NORFOLK, Neb. -- Throughout the state of Nebraska, some schools consolidate in order to participate in sports and activities due to low student count.

For some schools, the opportunity to put on a “solo-act” is present in play production.

So how do schools who have to consolidate for athletics compete with the best of the best in play production?

With a student enrollment of 38, Arnold Public Schools' Play Production Director Lana Cool said the dedication and want to compete helps the program out.

“We have the largest percentage of student participation of any activity which is so exciting,” Cool said. “I didn’t crunch the numbers this year but I think it’s between 60 and 70%."

Cool said not only does the high participation get many students involved, but gives the students a chance to collaborate with peers in other activities.

“[It] gives the kids an opportunity, no matter what their skill-set is, to be part of something great and part of something successful…and contribute in a way that is reflective of their unique talents,” Cool said.

That same participation can be seen at a northeast Nebraska high school.

Pope John Central Catholic director Amy Klein said 27 of the 29 students at the school compete in play production.

“It’s really amazing and they are all involved in numerous activities at the same time: sports, FFA, National Honor Society. And they all have jobs,” Klein said.

With the small population at both schools, sometimes the acting interests start at a young age.

“Our elementary students watch about the last 20 minutes of our rehearsal as they’re waiting for school to start,” Cool said.

“They [elementary students] see their siblings do it and it’s kind of a tradition at Pope John the kids just automatically know that this is something that they’re going to do,” Klein said.

Regardless of how many students participate in a one act production, Arnold High was crowned the champions of class D-1 play production.