LBJ Jaguar Theatre students at LBJ High School in Austin have advanced to the UIL One Act Play Area Contest for the first time in the school's history. The competition, held at Bastrop ISD, saw LBJ emerge as the only 5A school in Austin ISD to progress to the Area level this year, breaking new ground after years of competing with the Liberal Arts and Science Academy.
The students performed scenes from "Pipeline," a play written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Victor Santos. The play delves into the challenges faced by a Black family within the education system, with Nisha Giles portraying the mother Nya and Demarco McSwain as the teenage son Omari. Their heartfelt performance, alongside their fellow cast members, left a lasting impression at the Area contest.
In the UIL One Act Play competition structure includes six levels of competition. Bowie High School also made it to the Area round in the 6A competition this year.
Recognizing individual excellence, freshman McKayla Leary received the Best Technician award for her work on the projections. Sophomore Aida Ortiz received an Honorable Mention for her role as Jasmine in "Pipeline," while senior Nisha Giles was recognized in the All-Star Cast for her portrayal of Nya.
"It’s like warm milk… like a S’more," said Leary. "We came together, we pushed through, we told our own story."
The final performance of "Pipeline" will be held on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the LBJ ECHS Don T. Haynes Auditorium. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted to support the students.