Friendswood High School’s Thespian troupe showcased their talent and hard work at the Texas Thespian State Festival, held November 24–26 in Grapevine. The festival, which brings together theater students from across the state, proved to be a resounding success for the Friendswood team.
The students earned multiple accolades, with several advancing as National Qualifiers in their respective categories:
Dylan Garcia and Brendon Romell – Duet Acting
Thatcher Chase and Connor O’Rear – Duet Acting
Avery Buras, Hailey Setoudeh, Olivia Knutson – Solo Musical Theatre
Paige Garcia and Elijah Meaux – Musical Theatre Duet
Brie McDowell and Daisy Harris – Musical Theatre Duet
Sean Pastalaniec – Scene Design
In addition to these individual honors, Friendswood students excelled in the highly competitive Texas Challenges events:
Kyle White and Sean Pastalaniec took first place in the Tech Challenge for their expert demonstration of “Legging a Platform.”
The Friendswood High School Improv Team emerged victorious, winning the State Improvisation Competition after a grueling two-day, single-elimination tournament that included quarterfinal and semifinal rounds.
The Improv Team was led by Captain Thatcher Chase and included Connor O’Rear, Elijah Meaux, Brendon Romell, Andrew Jennings, and Sergio Cruz.
The festival’s final ceremony also highlighted Friendswood’s outstanding performers in the prestigious All-State showcases:
Reece Dealmeida was the All-State Lighting Designer.
Avery Buras, Paige Garcia, and Hailey Setoudeh served as All-State Performers.
Friendswood High School Theatre teacher Kathy Powdrell expressed her pride in the students, saying, “These students have worked hard, and we are happy to celebrate their statewide success.”
