Dublin High School’s theatre department is starting off the school year already with good news as they were recently named as an outstanding school in the TxETA Award of Distinction.
TxETA Awards of Distinction celebrate high achievement in the field of theatre across schools, colleges and school districts.
“These exceptional institutions have showcased remarkable talent and dedication, and we are delighted to honor them for their outstanding contributions to our Texas Educational Theatre Community,” the award organization said. “Our esteemed award winners have demonstrated exceptional support of theatre programs by providing appropriate resources for staff and students, thus creating opportunities for educational and artistic growth in supportive and safe instructional environments. Each of these recipients have demonstrated a profound commitment to promoting theatre at their campuses. Their contributions have not only enriched their schools and colleges, but they have also left a lasting impact on theatre advocacy in the community as a whole.”
According to DISD Theatre instructor Pam Kasinger, schools had to apply and had to meet a number of requirements in order to even be eligible. A letter from the superintendent was also required.
Kasinger and other theatre department members will be able to travel to Galveston in September to receive the award.
The award is a culmination of a theatre program that just keeps getting better and better, especially with recent One Act Play successes.
Dublin has had two backto- back Region qualifying plays, putting them in the top 20 in the state for Division 3A schools.
For the upcoming year, the theatre department will be staying quite busy.
They will have the Jr. High One Act Play District contest Dec. 7 in Hamilton.
“I have not yet announced the show as I am waiting to see what students I have in 7th and 8th grade OAP/ Theatre,” Kasinger said.
For the high school, Kasinger said she would like to do a fall show, but that has not yet been determined.
High School One Act will be doing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which was adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher.
It is a psychological thriller where the playwright has written in four different Hyde characters which represent different elements of Jekyll’s psyche.
“It is a fast-paced thriller, with the opportunity for our students to grow as actors,” she said.
The first contest for One Act Play is Zone on Feb. 27, 2024 at Brownwood High School followed up by District in Graham on March 5, 2024.