Seniors in the theater program at W.T. White High School are gearing up for life after graduation.
Recently, several students auditioned for and received callbacks from schools like Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Arlington, New York Film Academy, and more.
“Representing W.T. White and the district makes me proud. Throughout high school, I used the resources given to me, not just to build myself as a performer, but also as a person,” said Ava D.
A senior, Ava, was one of several students who received callbacks at the end of the fall semester.
She has been acting and auditioning for roles since she was two-years-old and says the theater program at W.T. White gave her opportunities to expand her horizons into other elements of theater, like directing.
“I was given the opportunity to direct a scene, which was a really fun experience and gave me more insight into what I want to do with my creative career,” she said.
Laryssa P., a senior with an interest in theater tech, agreed.
“Theatre tech has given me the ability to create a portfolio and showcase my ability to the fullest. Sharing this with other people has helped me expand my network, ” she said.
Laryssa said she was surprised by how many universities and colleges wanted to talk to her.
“You can’t always tell by facial expressions if people liked you,” she said. “I got 11 callbacks, and I was genuinely shocked.”
A natural artist, Laryssa said she was always interested in digital art, honing skills in creating landscapes and cityscapes. This gave her a strong foundation when she joined theater tech, creating sets and props for W.T. White’s productions.
“Everything starts on paper. Sometimes, people immediately want to jump into a project, but you really can’t go in blind,” she said. “You have to read the script and organize the scene. If not, you’re just building something, and nothing is going to be pieced together. It won’t be a whole story.”
Laryssa hopes to become an architect, working in theater on the side. She says she is grateful for her high school education, and says that gratitude is what fuels her to go on auditions and apply for college.
“Even if I don’t get accepted, I know it is a privilege, and that keeps me humble. So I go through every audition with gratitude and respect,” she said.
As for Ava, she plans to pursue acting after college. She also wants to work in cinematography and become a director.
She said her favorite part of being involved in theater is the final project coming together.
“I love seeing an idea that we talk about really come to life,” she said. “You’re part of the entire process, from day one, when it’s just blocking, all the way to tech week, when the whole show is put together.”
Beyond academics, the theater program helps students develop soft skills like communication and public speaking. It also helps them gain confidence.
“It’s a fun process to be a part of,” Ava said. “The friendships here are a different type of bond because you’re creating art together.”
