Katy ISD Theatre Students Take Home Honors in UIL Regional Competition

High school theatre students only had one act to steal the hearts of the audience members and judges at the recent UIL One-Act Play competitions.  Nineteen students from each Morton Ranch and Cinco Ranch did just that as they brought their respective plays to life and advanced to the regional competition after bringing home several top district awards. 

Morton Ranch was honored for performing “A View from the Bridge” at the regional competition where senior Nichole Cannell was selected as best actress in the role of Beatrice, senior Trent Stephenson won best actor for the role of Eddie Carbone, freshman Andrea Lang was named to the All Star Cast for her role as Catherine, senior Jacob Ockwood was given an honorable mention for playing Rodolpho, and freshman Brittnie Curtis was honored as the best stage manager.  Morton Ranch students also took home the honor of best crew, which included senior Brandon Weigand, senior Brooke Marrero, freshman Brittnie Curtis and sophomore Barrett White. 

Other members of the cast include: Libia Castro, Blake Coker, Lauren Engallina, Garrett Hamilton, Brittany Klein, David Maness, Mallory Majcher, Kirby McGriff, James Smith and Ryan Smith and junior Dalton Hutto who was given an honorable mention for his part as Marco at the District competition.

Cinco Ranch also gave an outstanding performance of “The Beggar’s Opera” at the regional competition with seniors Carolyn Bailey and Taylor Dolan being named to the all star cast, senior Kevin Wilkinson received an honorable mention and Kristen Healey was selected as best technician. 

Other cast and crew members include: Austin Faulk, Max Grove, Alex Hunt, Nick Hunt, Oriene Leake, Megan Lloyd-Jones, Kenny Loveall, Kevin Romero, Leighton Schlanger, Michael Simmons, Madeline Smith and Victoria Valentine.  Shaina Schtooten who also participated was selected to the all star cast and given an honorable mention at the district competition.  Also at the district level, Gustavo Valdes won best technician and Glen Miglin was named to the all star cast.

Katy High School’s UIL One-Act Play entry, “Charley’s Aunt” also advanced to the district level and was selected alternate to the regional competition.

At the district Level, Stephanie Murphy was selected as best technician, Levi Sturgess and Benjamin Gilliam were awarded honorable mention to the all-star cast and Miguel Sanchez and Grace Glass were awarded all-star cast.

UIL music competitions also take place in the spring for all junior high and high school bands, choirs, and orchestras.  During this year’s region UIL contests, Katy ISD will have about 130 different music ensembles in UIL concert and sight reading competitions.