by Erin Cearley, Director of Theater, Oakwood ISD
There is Magic in Texas Theatre. The UIL One Act Play Contest is one of the largest theatre competitions in the world. This year, there were 154 1A- schools entered to compete; 69 remain, and Oakwood is one of those fortunate enough to continue sharing their story Mockingbird, by Julie Jensen, with others.
The team performed Mockingbird, at District on March 23rd. They received first place and were awarded several individual awards. Senior, Rae Rantala received one of the two Best Performer awards for her portrayal of Caitlin, a 12-year-old girl on the Autism spectrum who is struggling with the death of her brother. Graci Kelley (Senior), was awarded All Star Cast, and had this to say about this year’s show: “This year has by far been the most special to me in my heart. I am so proud of my team and me. We have worked to the best of our ability, gained closer relationships, accomplished things we have prayed about, and most importantly, had fun on stage with one another. I will remember this year forever; it is a very special show, and I am so proud to say I am spending it with people who are some of the most important to me. I can’t wait to see how far this year takes us.”
Lauren Relerford received Honorable Mention All Star Cast. Rai’Miaya Winston received All Star Tech for her work backstage as the Stage Manager. This propelled Oakwood into Bi-District.
At Bi-District the team performed again on March 28, at Abbott High School. They placed 1st and received the following awards. Rae Rantala- Best Performer, Lauren Relerford-All Star Cast, Honorable Mention All Star Cast- Entire Ensemble- Austin Peralta, Graci Kelley, Karessa Walker, Angel Cook, Destinei Robinson, Lauren Relerford, Aniyah Johnson, and Lexi Granger. When asked about this being her last show with Panther Theatre, Rae Rantala responded, “With this being my last year with my team at Panther Theatre, I am upset that I will no longer get to experience this process with my team, but I am so excited that this show will be the last ride me and my fellow seniors will have. This story is such an amazing one to tell and I am so proud of me and my team for telling it so well. I just want to thank Mrs. Cearley, our director, for taking us in and giving us a chance our 7th grade year. This department started with us, and it has been a blessing watching as well as being a part of the growth. Panther Theatre will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am overjoyed to see how it will continue to grow in years to come.”
Oakwood is set to perform Mockingbird on April 13th at the Area One Act Play competition at Waco University High School. Admission is free, and open to the public.
Note from the Director (Erin Cearley): When I first read the script, I immediately began to picture my kids in the roles. It’s such a beautifully written tribute to a father and his daughter, and their struggle to connect and understand each other’s grief. I am very proud of these students, and it has been a privilege to take this journey with them. I am so grateful for my seniors: Graci, Rai’Miaya, Rae, Buddy, and Lexi; They have made me grow as a director, and I am so thankful they’ve trusted me, and been so hard-working, and dedicated. They have helped me to grow a very successful, strong Theatre program at Oakwood. They are leaving a great legacy. A very special thank you to our staff, our wonderful admin., and our school board, for always being supportive of the Theatre Program. We hope to make Oakwood Proud!
