Theatrical design is a UIL Academic contest for students to make creations in costuming, scenic design, and hair and makeup design. This year, Mindy Pope and Emily McLemore had one group of four students enter for state theatrical design.

  “SHS has been entering this contest for the last eleven years,” Pope said. “And each year we have multiple state finalists.”

  This years state participants for theatrical design were Reagan Henry, Cameron Bishop, Tori Permann, and Courtney McGuire. They each participated in their own category which was costuming, scenic design, hair and makeup, and marketing.

  “The students started working on their designs last July,” Pope said. “First they brainstormed and read the play, then they completed their project by February when they were submitted for the first round.”

  A play is selected and a challenge is given to the designers. All designers must submit a two-page paper justifying their design choices and create a board highlighting their design inspirations. All designers are judged by how well they represent the play and prompt given to them.

  “This year designers were challenged to design for two plays,” Pope said. “The plays were A Raisin in the Sun and Clybourne Park, and the designers had to create a repertory setting.”

  Four students placed for state in the competition. They entered two set designers, Hagen Carter who received 2nd and Lainey Harris who placed 6th. Two hair and makeup designers, Tori Permann who received 6th and Bethany Miller who was a state qualifier. Two marketing designers, Shalana Sherwood who received 5th and John Watts. Lastly,two costume designers, Aislinn Oxford who was a state qualifier and Krystyn Arpin who was also a state qualifier.

  “SHS had the largest team and the most students to place at a UIL state theatrical design contest for 2 years in a row,” Pope said.