Earning the spotlight

Page 5 | Features

Troupe 0476 triumphs at the District Thespians Competition, expecting success at the state competition in March

BY MICAELA MONTERO, STAFF WRITER

FOR DECADES, GABLES HAS been a place that promotes self expression, and Troupe 0476, an acting, writing and performance class during fourth period, is no exception. This audition-based class admits from 27 to 32 students every year and takes place in room 4126, known as the little theater. Under Fine Arts Department Chair Tracey Barrow’s instruction, the 2022-2023 school year has been the most successful in its recent history.

Students rehearse in the courtyard outside the room, or as Troupe students like to call it, “The Backyard.” From solo to collaborative pieces, students perform a variety of works but are typically given the freedom to choose what they want to work on for competitions. Categories include comedy, drama and musical numbers.

The classes include performing on stage and getting feedback from Barrow or from fellow members. On Dec. 14-15, they held their performance entitled “Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse” and their Individual Event showcase exhibiting student’s creativity and skills. The consistent efforts from the class have fueled many members’ creativity.

“Getting to watch other performers and gain experience expands your perspective of the infinite possibilities of characters to bring into the world,” senior Amelie Joelle said.

From Nov. 16-19, 2022, Troupe competed in the district eight thespians competition. Organized by District Chair Gary Graff, the competition holds over 1,500 students from 50 different schools. Though Gables has attended in prior years, 2022 was the most successful in the last 20 years, with 31 performances being awarded the superior title and one comedy duo, president Alejandro Garnier and senior David Pasternac, receiving top honors.

“This particular troupe was committed from the very first day, looking for pieces and coming in prepared,” Barrow said.

Each category of performance is evaluated by judges using a 30-point system. If the group reaches 26 points, they qualify for a superior title and can move on to the state’s performance. Members were given the ability to perform in a maximum of four categories, and their efforts have evidently paid off.

“I was an actor in someone’s student directed performance. I did the solo musical piece, the small group musical and an ensemble scene,” First Lieutenant José Sanchez said.

For Sanchez, three of his performances received the superior title. Despite the high number of qualifiers, only six can perform at the state competition in Tampa, Fla., which will be held on March 15-18. These students have been picked by Barrow through a thorough evaluation based on which she believes have the most potential for success in competition. Despite this, all qualifying members will be welcome to support their fellow troupe members by going to states.

Troupe 0476 hopes to succeed at the state competition in March. In the meantime, they will cultivate their passion by writing, acting and inspiring creativity and collaboration.

For Gables students hoping to express creativity through performance, auditions are held in February and the sign up sheet is posted in Barrow’s room, 4126. h