MHS One Act Play State Contest

Jun 9, 2026

min read

For the first time since 1963, Midway HS advanced to the 2026 UIL State One Act Play Contest. Only eight schools across the entire State of Texas advance to the state level competition. On Wednesday, May 20^th, our MHS cast performed, drawing the first time slot for the 6A State contest to kick-off a full afternoon and evening of 6A performances. We are thrilled to announce that MIdway HS One Act Play was ranked 3^rd in State! This is especially impressive knowing that it is not an easy feat to draw the first performance spot and stay fresh in the judge's mind by the end of the night. Clearly, their show was dynamic and memorable!

In fact, the stunning visuals and electric energy kept audiences on the edge of their seat from the moment the lights came up revealing a mystical scene of fairies and fantasy. Adding to the fun was the cast’s impeccable timing of humor and sound effects coupled with amazing acrobatic moves which was nothing short of magical, transporting the audiences into the whimsical fun of Shakespeare’s famous story of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Every performance through the semester was better and better with the State performance being their best one yet!

DIRECTORS (left to right): AJ Danforth, Alicia Danforth, Jill Wilkinson, David Wellbaum

An enormous congratulations to the team of directors whose vision, dedication, and countless hours of leading rehearsals led our Midway students to this level of excellence. This dream team of leadership consisted of Jill Wilkinson (MHS Theatre Director), David Wellbaum (MHS Technical Theatre Director), AJ Danforth (MISD Fine Arts Facilities Manager and theatre tech genius), and Alicia Danforth (River Valley MS Theatre Director and MHS theatre alumni). These four directors certainly brought out the very best of our high school students.

***LeAngel Rodriguez*** *(bottom) in the role of Puck with* ***August Latendresse*** *(top) playing Oberon*

While all of the perfectly casted actors excelled in their roles, two seniors earned additional individual recognition for their next-level acting skills. LeAngel Rodriguez, in the role of Puck, had the audience transfixed by his agility and flexibility, laughing at his perfectly timed humor. It was not surprising that he was named as a a State level All-Star Cast Member. Elli Braswell, brought extra dramatic fun to the role of Helena which earned her the Honorable Mention All-Star Cast award. The full cast of students and directors have put in countless hours of hard work and preparation to achieve such success. We are so proud of their artistry and excellence!

**Elli Braswell** (left) in the role of Helena with **Avery Higgins** (right) playing Hermia

Midway High School Theater has for several years consistently advanced far in the UIL One Act Play contest rounds each spring semester. However, this is the first time since 1963 that Midway HS advanced to the State contest. In 1963, Midway first took the UIL One Act Play State stage as a conference 1A school. Six decades of theatrical excellence and dedication led to Midway triumphantly returning to the UIL One Act Play State stage as a 6A school, an even greater feat with the large school level of competition!

The 1963 Midway HS One Act Play Cast and Crew included only five names: Judy Buice (All Star Cast), Althea Dee Chapman (All Star Cast), Bob Everett (cast member), Joe Guthrie (cast member), and William Attaway (stage assistant). This small cast under the direction of Mrs. Roy Hill performed “Patterns” by Anne Coulter Martens in the 37^th Annual State One-Act Play Contest in May of 1963. As a very special treat, 1963 State Cast Member, Judy Buice, attended the public performance by our 2026 State cast on Sunday, May 17 at 8:00pm at the Midway Performing Arts Center. She was absolutely enthralled and delighted by the performance, giving it rave reviews as she cheered on the current cast with great enthusiasm!

Full 2026 Cast with 1963 UIL State MHS Cast Member, Judy Buice, in center

Many hurdles are jumped to reach the State level within the process of advancing through the UIL One Act Play contest rounds. Midway not only jumped each hurdle with flying colors this year, but they also achieved numerous individual awards at each contest along the way. The fact that the names on this list are so varied from one contest to the next is a testament to what a strong overall cast of actors were involved this year.

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DISTRICT: March 14, Midway ISD PAC

All Star Crew – Delilah Hellam
Honorable Mention All Star Cast - Elli Braswell (Helena)
All Star Cast - August Latendresse (Oberon)
Best Performer - LeAngel Rodriguez (Puck)

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BI-DISTRICT: March 28, Midway ISD PAC

Honorable Mention All Star Cast -
- Elli Braswell (Helena)
- Ashlyn LaStrape (Titania)
Outstanding Technician - Delilah Hellam
All Star Cast - LeAngel Rodriguez

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