Hello War Hawks!
As we approach fall break, we would like to share some exciting news within the theatre department. Not only did we produce our FIRST outdoor performance at McMurry’s newly renovated Student Center, but our students also traveled to Galveston last week to take home the top playwriting award, and a recognition for best supporting actress in a short film. We were also recently alerted that our department chair will be receiving an award later this month from Young Audiences of Abilene.
TxETA TheatreFest 2024
Five McMurry theatre students attended Texas Education Theater Association’s (TxETA) annual TheatreFest convention in Galveston last week to build professional networks, learn the business of theatre education and participate in theatre competitions.
We are thrilled to announce that McMurry Theatre Student Lauren Scott was recognized Saturday for winning Overall Best Play in TxETA 2024 PlayFest Competition. Judged by Don Zolidis, the most-produced playwright for American schools, Scott’s one-act play, Do Mockingbirds Sing at Night, was performed by theatre classmates Aby Brown, Evelyn Van Houten and Grant Pike during the annual theatre convention. Scott wrote the play in Professor Emeritus Charlie Hukill’s playwriting class.
Also, during TxETA, Theatre Student Evelyn Van Houten received honors as best supporting actress for her participation in FilmFest, a contest requiring TheatreFest students to develop a three-minute film in 24 hours with a smartphone. McMurry’s short film was directed by Theatre Student Joe Caton and written by Lauren Scott.
TxETA TheatreFest is an annual convention that offers dozens of workshops for theatre students across Texas to learn about acting, lighting, and productions, as well as provides the opportunity to meet professional entertainers from many forms of theatre. McMurry Theatre Directors Neena McLain and Zack Frizzell had the pleasure of meeting scores of grades school theatre directors and interviewing more than 100 prospective theatre students who expressed potential interest in McMurry’s theatre program.
Antigone Under the Harvest Moon
On September 18, the theatre department premiered Sophocles’ Antigone under the harvest moon. The Greek play, adapted by Bonnie Roberts, was the first-ever performance in the outdoor amphitheater at McMurry’s revamped Garrison United Methodist Campus Center. The new space, designed to encourage the cultivation of meaningful connections, overflowed with patrons munching on popcorn to the sights of ancient theatrics and the original sounds performed live by McMurry’s percussion team.
The show, directed by Department Chair Neena McLain, completed its final run Friday night. The tragedy lasted for 50 minutes, illuminated by natural moonlight, campus lamps and a colorful backdrop designed by student Grant Pike. Lauren Scott, who played Antigone, brought forth a powerful defiance to carry the show, while Aiden McKinney embodied the idea of an unmovable force, burdened by authority, through his portrayal of Creon, ruler of Thebes. Robeto Rueda and chorus member Ben Jeter were also a delightful bonus to the show with their jester-like portrayals of Hoplon, which helped to soften the intense and troublesome tale.
Young Audiences of Abilene Award
Theatre Department Chair Neena McLain will be receiving an award from Young Audiences of Abilene during the annual Celebrate the Arts Appreciation luncheon on Oct. 23 at Abilene Christian University’s Hunter Welcome Center.
Young Audiences of Abilene (YA of Abilene), operating as part of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, provides arts-integrated performance, residencies, and workshops to young people in Abilene, TX, and the surrounding communities. Each fall, the city’s nonprofit arts groups come together under one roof to celebrate the Abilene Art Award winners and recipients of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council’s grants programs. The Abilene Art Award winners are chosen by each art organization from their pool of volunteers and supporters. In addition, the ACAC will present the Outstanding Individual and Outstanding Business of the Year awards. The luncheon’s decorations will highlight the artist being celebrated at the upcoming Children’s Art + Literacy Festival.
Homecoming Production
Next, the theatre department will perform the musical, Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman, on Oct. 31, 2024 through Nov. 3, 2024 at McMurry’s Ryan Little Theatre.
We hope to see you all there!
Thanks!
McMurry Theatre Department