It looks like the new batch of Varsity theatre students here at Lively have officially proven themselves, after being rewarded with the HIGHEST honor possible for a middle school theatre group. Yesterday, November 12th, Lively’s UIL theater team took first place overall at District competitions, performing their play: “The Audition” by Don Zolidas. This isn’t the team’s first run though, as they had already performed both two public performances on October 25th & 26th as well as a zone competition on the 29th, where they took first place; but you can find more information on that competition and how the students prepared for it in another article on the Falcon Cry.
Along with their best overall show award, the theater team also took a multitude of individual awards including: Outstanding Technical Crew (Best Overall Tech Team), All Star Tech, awarded to Ellie Rhatigan, Lively’s stage manager, two All Star Cast (Silver) awards, received by Ceci McArthur, playing Elizabeth, as well as Zella Pryor, playing Soleil, and lastly a Best Performer Award (Gold) received by Juliana Lotz, playing Carrie. “UIL was a really fun experience for someone who has never been before. I found it to be really accepting, welcoming, and exciting,” said 8th grader Jayus Fain-Lindsey. Fain-Lindsey was a performer in the UIL competition for Lively.
The varsity theater crews day started early, immediately meeting at the school theater to get ready and make their way to the PAC after advisory. Once there, the team quickly got ready, with the cast and crew in the dressing room and the rest of the class in the lobby, waiting for the other shows to begin. The cast got ready, putting on their makeup, and after a quick lunch, their costumes. The cast then began with a motivational circle, of sorts, preparing mentally for the upcoming show. Next, the cast prepared vocally and physically, warming up. Lastly, only minutes away from the show, the cast and crew just hung out with each other, seeing songs like the theatre kids they are, and embracing all the many emotions they felt.
Finally, the show. Like all live performances, the show didn’t go off without a hitch, but it was still an incredible show that I think everyone can agree was the best run yet. Oddly enough, for the first time, the show ran just seconds too long and ended prematurely, luckily at a perfect stopping place that seemed organic so it did not result in any deductions or disqualifications.
More than anything else the cast was tasked with leaving everything they had left on the stage, and they CERTAINLY did that.
Their teacher and show’s director, Samantha Gang, is very proud of her students work. “Winning the AISD UIL One Act Play District Championship is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication, talent, and kindness of these amazing students. From day one, they’ve shown nothing but hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to each other and to our production. This was my third time directing in this competition, and they say third time’s a charm—well, this group truly brought that saying to life! I couldn’t be prouder of how each student gave their all, supported each other, and believed in what we were creating together. They are so deserving of this achievement, and I am beyond grateful to be part of their journey.”
The reporter, Sam Nash, is involved in this story as a member of the Varsity Theater Team. He played the Stage Manager in the district championship play. Sam Nash is also the co-editor in chief of the Falcon Cry. This disclosure is made to ensure transparency and to provide readers with full context regarding potential biases or conflicts related to the reporting of this story.
