Seguin, Texas: The rising stars of Seguin High School Matador Theatre’s one act play troupe weren’t given the chance to see just how far their winning streak would take them with their 2020 competition piece, “Over the River & Through the Woods”. They were among three advancing troupes of the eight that performed at the UIL Zone Competition in Boerne. They were set to advance to Bi-District which was to be held at Seguin High School at the end of March.
However, despite a disappointing end to the school year, Matador Theatre seniors Jazmin Blair, Hannah Harris, Kelsey Luensman, Andrew “Andy” McDowall, Emily Pearson, Megan Schievelbein, and Faith Sehon received the support and encouragement of their booster club with the delivery of “thespian cheer bags”.
Seguin High School Drama Mamas and Papas booster president, Kelly Follis, shared some thoughts about the students graduating this year, “They have continued to amaze their “drama mamas” even during these challenging times. We are so proud of them. Several of our seniors have been among our “rocks” for several years. We could not let them graduate without hearing from us, so the goodie bags were a way we could reach out. Our boosters also met via Zoom to award our annual senior scholarships. We appreciate more than we can say the generous, enthusiastic support we get year in and year out from our community. By public participation in our season ticket sales, concessions, and other fundraisers, Seguin has allowed us to do so many special things for our program and our kids.”
Follis continued, “Theatre is a year-round “sport”. It takes a lot to put on a full production.
Our scholarship recipients, Emily Pearson ($600), Faith Sehon ($500), and Andrew McDowall ($400) invested a huge amount of effort in multiple aspects of the program.
Under the direction of Lydia Robles and Tim Luna, these kids normally put on three big shows a year, along with a “Night on Broadway” production, competition pieces at the annual Thespian Convention, and senor-directed shows. For many of them, theatre isn’t all they do, but they put their hearts into everything they do and that’s what makes it such a joy to be a part of. I think senior Andy McDowall summed it up well, “It (theatre) was a lifeline to the world of romance and whimsy and magic. It gave me a greater appreciation of the world around me. It painted the world in pastels– and isn’t that what we need?” We’ll miss you, seniors, and wish all our students the best always now and when we see them again.”