12 Years in the Making: Midway High Returns to Regional One-Act Play Contest
The stage is set for Midway High School to compete in the 6A Regional UIL One-Act Play Competition for the first time since 2012. After advancing through three rounds of competition, Midway emerged as the only 6A Central Texas school district to reach the regional level this year.
The Regional One-Act Play Contest will take place on Saturday, April 27 at University High School where Midway will perform scenes from “A Comedy of Tenors” by Ken Ludwig set in 1930s Paris.
“The students and directors have been locked in with this show from day one,” Midway High School Theatre Arts Director Jill Wilkinson said. “This production takes a dedicated team, and everything I have asked of them they have delivered and more. I cannot say enough how proud I am.”
At regionals, Midway will compete against five other schools presenting an 18-40-minute play aiming to place in the top two and advance to state. Reaching regionals puts Midway among the top 24 6A schools for One-Act Play in Texas.
“Advancing all the way to region has been my dream since sophomore year,” Midway High School senior and cast member Maggie Steakley said. “We are so proud of this show, and we have worked tirelessly to perfect it and make it the best it can be.”
In addition to selecting advancing plays, a judge awards individual acting awards at each level of competition. Including the All Star Crew Team Tech Award, Midway’s individual awards at the Area Contest went to Jude LeBlanc for All Star Cast, Ava Marese for All Star Crew, and Jude Graham for Honorable Mention All Star Cast.
“I am so honored I get to work alongside this talented cast and crew!” Midway High School senior and lighting crew member Morgan Davis said. “I am especially grateful for the opportunity to go to regionals this year with such an incredible, hardworking group of people!”
Students involved in the production include cast members: Zachary Williams, Cole Harris, Elena Dalrymple, Jude LeBlanc, Maggie Steakley, Jude Graham, and Savannah Ortiz; student directors: Elyse Jones and Mason Willis; stage manager Dylan McEachern; crew members: Haylee Ryan, Morgan Davis, Isaiah Hilkemann, Ava Marese, Lucy Webb, Zach Shortell, Jordyn Aiello, Avery Higgins, Jackson Owen, and Meagan Campbell who are responsible for lights, sound, and costumes; and alternates: Hannah Rose, Matthew Campbell, and Asher Beck. Midway Theatre directors are Jil Wilkinson, David Wellbaum, Alicia Danforth, and AJ Danforth.
“Through one-act, I formed a family,” Midway High School senior and stage manager Dylan McEachernand said. “Everyone this year is so close and we have bonded so much. Through our hard work and determination, we made it to region, and I know this will be an experience I never forget.”
Regional performances on April 27 at University High School are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/42165.
