The Mainstage theatre group performed their one act play “Ubu” March 3 at Poteet High School for their district competition.

The cast and crew had to prepare their set in seven minutes, perform in 40 minutes, and then strike the set in seven minutes. The actors perform in front of three judges that grade them on their volume, characterization and relationships. After all the high schools have performed, the students attend a ceremony where the judges present awards such as Best Tech Crew, All-Star Cast, Best Actor and Actress as well as the top schools that advanced to the next level.

“This group of young artists are running an amazing show. They are making bold choices and really taking notes well,” Theatre Director Mrs. Andrea Farnham said, “It’s a dark comedy and so much fun to “play” around with. We just keep laughing and working hard,”

At the district competition, seniors Aaron Martinez and Savanna Stewart won All-Star cast and senior Hector Alcala won Honorable Mention All-Star cast. Mainstage also advanced to Bi-District.

“When I learned that we advanced,” Alcala said, “I felt amazing. We worked really hard so it was good that we were being recognized for all the time and effort we put in. There was so much joy in the atmosphere, it was great.”

At the Bi-district competition, Martinez won another award for Best Actor, senior Savanna Stewart and sophomore Anisa Hosseini won All-Star cast and junior Angela Talley won All-Star tech.

“When they were passing out the awards, I wasn’t paying attention at all because all I could think about was if we were going to advance or not,” Hosseini said, “So when they called my name for All-Star cast it didn’t even dawn on me until after I got the reward. It’s a beautiful thing to know that someone appreciates and enjoys your art.”

The theatre group advanced to Area and will perform “Ubu” again and will perform at Plano West High School April 1.

“Ubu has been a great learning experience overall, I’ve gotten to bond with most of my classmates and learn more about them,” Alcala said, “as an actor, One Act has taught me to let go of most of my insecurities and be someone I never knew I could be.”