Melissa High School’s Theatre program has three students advancing to the UIL State Theatrical Design Competition. Senior Rayne Jackson and sophomore Gabby Keith advanced in the Hair/Makeup category, and Senior Elsa Lawson-Dotson qualified in the Costuming category. Elsa was one of 20 students selected statewide in Costuming, while Rayne and Gabby were two of just 16 qualifiers in Hair/Makeup.
Last year, Cecilia Tran became the first Melissa High School student to advance to state in Theatrical Design, helping pave the way for future students. Building on that momentum, all three of this year’s competitors are advancing in their first year of participation.
Each student in the Theatrical Design competition begins by reading the same play and developing designs based on a shared prompt. This year’s production, The King Stag, challenged students to create concepts in one of four areas: Hair/Makeup, Costuming, Marketing, or Scenic Design.
To qualify for state, students submitted detailed portfolios highlighting both their creative vision and technical skill. Judges evaluated each submission, with the highest-ranking designs earning advancement. At the state level, competitors will present their work in person, delivering an oral presentation to explain their artistic process before a panel of judges who will score and rank their designs.
Through this rigorous process, these students demonstrated exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of how design enhances storytelling on stage.
"I'm so unbelievably honored to have gotten the chance to participate,” Elsa said, excited for the opportunity to advance to state. “I made it by a smidge, pushing through the loss of motivation and a ton of stressors, though I couldn't be happier that I saw this project through."
Also looking forward to competing at state in a field she is passionate about, Gabby said, “Personally, I really enjoyed creating my own makeup designs. Even when the work was very difficult and tedious, I loved expressing myself and being able to compete at a high level for the passions I love to do.”
Reflecting on the experience with gratitude, Rayne commented, “I am thankful for this opportunity to compete at a higher level for UIL Theatrical, the process of being able to create designs and make them a reality was truly inspiring and something I would do again given the opportunity.”
Melissa High School Theatrical Design Coach Aubrey Moore praised her students’ dedication and talent, “We are exceptionally proud of these students and the dedication it took to earn their advancement to the State-Level of competition. Each one demonstrates creativity, responsibility, and remarkable tenacity in the face of challenges. We are so excited to cheer them on in May as they compete at State!”
These students will compete at the state competition on May 15-16 at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center.
Congratulations to these students on this remarkable achievement! Their talent, dedication, and hard work have paved the way for this opportunity. We are incredibly proud to see them represent Melissa ISD and the Melissa High School Theatre program at the state level. Best of luck at State!