FRISCO, TEXAS ーAcross America, 26,000 K-12 schools have theater programs. Meaning thousands of students perform for large audiences, bringing scripts to life with beautiful words and dynamic performances. Centennial High School’s Titan Theatre program is one of those places.
Once again, they are competing at University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) One Act Play Contest, taking home a long list of awards.
For the big ones, they placed first overall during the first round on March 12, the District round on March 25, and the Bi-District round on March 28. Additionally, Titan Theatre won Best Overall Technical Crew for all three rounds.
Multiple students were recipients of individual caption awards.
Senior Rohan Singh, won Best Performer of the Day during the first round, then Best Performer at Districts and Bi-Districts.
Three students won All-State Tech individually, with senior Mae Quinn winning the first round, junior Bailey McGuire winning the District round, and junior Sophie M winning at Bi-Districts.
Another four students won All-Star Cast, with senior Samantha Hengstenberg winning in the first round alongside senior Carson Roberts and at Bi-Districts by herself. Junior Leena El-Nachar won All-Star Cast at Districts.
Finally, three students won Honorable Mention All-Star Cast. Senior Veda Srinivas and Zay A. won in the first round, while Srinivas won Bi-Districts by herself. Roberts won at Districts by himself.
However, this success hasn’t been typical. For the past five years, the program hasn’t made it past the first round. Theatre Director Darius Moore shares his thoughts on this flip.
“We have typically been the underdogs in the district. I truly think this success comes from the work that the students have put into this production. It was the right mix of all the things that make good theatre.”
Their story doesn’t end there, with the team now advancing to Area, placing them in the top 48 schools in 5A.
For many cast members, this will be their last UIL. Moore expresses his feelings toward his senior class.
“I do not know if I am ready for this group of seniors to go, so I am not ready for these types of words. But I want them to know that anything and everything is possible, don’t let your ownself get in the way of that!”
To support these students, come to Lebanon Trail High School on April 11, to view their UIL Area performance. The performance begins at 10 a.m., so come watch as they dominate the stage once more!
