Varsity theater is back from UIL and the long-awaited results are in. If you didn’t already know, UIL stands for University Interscholastic League, and it’s an organization that manages a variety of contests for public schools in Texas. But, what is the UIL One-Act Play specifically about? “UIL One-Act Play is all about working as a team to develop self awareness, confidence, and to reach a common goal. It’s just overall a really great, huge event that provides amazing opportunities in the theater world for students ages 6-12. It’s truly an incredible organization and I’m very grateful for it.” said Ms. Gang, the director of the theater program at Lively MS.
As I’m sure many people anticipated, the Lively varsity theater team won 1st place and is advancing to district championships. “It was really loud whenever we found out that we advanced, I remember being overwhelmed by the excitement and the students were very grateful,” said Ms. Gang. Not only did their performance of “The Audition” place first by all three of the judges, but the cast won a multitude of individual awards as well. Lucia Atkins won an honorable mention as the role of Carrie’s Mother, Lucie Foster won all-star tech crew member as the sound technician, Angie Perez won all-star cast as Marissa and Elizabeth’s mother, Zella Pryor also won all-star cast as the role of Soleil, and so did Julianna Lotz as the role of Carrie. Ellie Ratigan, Aly Aleman-Chapa, Lucie Foster, and Knox Kenzie won outstanding tech crew of the day, and last but not least, Ceci McArthur won a best performer award.
Now that we know the results from UIL, how did the varsity theater team feel about UIL? “I was very excited, we didn’t win first place last year we won third, so I was very, very happy. I was hoping we’d win first obviously, and I probably screamed, might’ve cried.” said Zella Pryor, who played the role of Soleil.
Ceci McArthur, who played the role of Elizabeth won gold, or in other words best performer, but what does it mean to win such a notable award? “Well, I was very happy and it was really unexpected. It means a lot to me and it made me think about me in the 7th grade, and how that was all I ever wanted. I really looked up to all of the 8th graders last year and I couldn’t have imagined ever getting an award like that,” said McArthur.
Lastly and most importantly, how will the varsity theater team prepare for district championships?
“We’re gonna continue to work really hard. The judges give you critiques at the end so we’re gonna be implementing them to make the show even better, and rehearse to jam the notes in.” said Sam Nash, who played the role of Stage Manager and was another important asset to “The Audition.”
In conclusion, the time and energy that the cast for “The Audition” spent in repeatedly doing things such as going over lines and blocking, seemingly paid off as they earned 1st place. The thespians will continue to further improve and rehearse their scenes to hopefully place at least top 3 if not 1st in district championships which will be held on November 12, 2024.
