The theatre company placed 2nd at District in Jarrell with their show “Moo” by Sally Clark, advancing to Bi-District for the first time in three years.
“It’s great to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” lead actor Cale Wheeler said. “I can’t wait to see what we do at Bi-District. Our run at District was the best run we’ve had so far, and it was unbelievable watching everyone step up to the moment.”
Bi-District will be held at Jarrell High School again March 28.
“It’s great that we’ve already seen the stage and become familiar with it,” lead actress Kenzie Stone said. “We ran a really good show, and tech was efficient and skillful. At this point in the season, we know where we need to be. As long as we decide to run a good show and keep our energy up, we will be okay.”
At District, Stone was awarded Best Performer, Wheeler was awarded All-Star Cast, senior Samantha Sturgeon was awarded Honorable Mention, senior Sumiko Lemari was awarded Best Technician, and the entire company was awarded Outstanding Technical Crew.
“Normally receiving the best tech crew award is considered the ‘kiss of death,’ meaning it’s a sign we won’t advance, but our group worked so well, they had no choice but to award us with it,” Wheeler said.
The show ran a little over 39 minutes. The limit for One Act shows is 40 minutes.
“We were stressing backstage because our pacing would get off and then someone would go on and we’d be back on track,” senior actor Rico Sanchez said. “Towards the end, though, things really slowed down, but then one of our actors clutched up in their two scenes, so we ended up having plenty of time for our last scene to really sit and simmer with the audience. It was great.”
Prior to District, the company was able to go to three clinics to receive feedback on their show.
“Clinicians have been very helpful,” Stone said. “One of our clinicians really helped me lock into my character. He advised us to find fifteen character traits attached to our character, telling us the first few would be easy and the last ones you would have to dig deep.”
Kenzie Stone is a junior, and this is her first lead role.
“Being a lead comes with a lot of responsibility, which can be overwhelming,” Stone said. “Through this process, I have had to remind myself that it all comes down to becoming a character, and honing the craft, not being a ‘lead.’ Simplifying it down doesn’t make it seem as intimidating, redirecting my focus to what matters, which is my performance.”
Director Greta Peterson’s goal was to advance one last time before her potential retirement.
“I keep telling myself it’s my last year, and then the next year begins,” Peterson said. “I never know from one day to the next what I’ll do. The passion for directing is still there, but I truly think that it’s getting close to the time for someone else, at least that’s what I keep telling myself.”
