Anxiety, Art, and Advancement as Devine OAP moves on to Area

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine High School’s One Act Play cast and crew continue to pass The Test with flying colors, advancing to the Area round for the first time since 2017 after yet another standout performance at the Bi-District contest on March 24 in Navarro.
After a nine year absence, the troupe will take the stage once again in New Braunfels on April 7 where their emotionally driven and technically polished production has already captured the attention of judges throughout the postseason.
Devine hits the stage at 12:00pm as the second of six productions to hit the stage that day. The first play begins at 11:00am.
At its core, The Test tells the story of Alan, portrayed by senior Maverick Beaty, a high school student navigating the overwhelming pressure of an important exam. What begins as a familiar classroom setting quickly transforms into a deeper exploration of anxiety, as the audience is drawn into the inner workings of Alan’s mind.
As distractions mount and self-doubt intensifies, the performance builds into a powerful portrayal of the mental strain many students quietly endure. Maverick’s compelling performance earned him Best Performer honors in three straight competitions, showcasing an impressive emotional range that anchors the entire production.
Opposite him is his younger real-life brother, freshman Nolan Beaty, who delivers a measured and effective performance as Mr. Williams, the calm, by-the-book teacher whose steady demeanor contrasts sharply with Alan’s internal turmoil.
His role highlights the often unseen divide between what educators observe and what students may be experiencing beneath the surface, a performance that garnered All-Star Cast recognition after his last two performances.
Adding another critical layer is freshman Dakota Nighswander as The Voice, whose presence brings Alan’s spiraling thoughts to life. Her second-straight Honorable Mention All-Star Cast performance amplifies the tension on stage, transforming internal conflict into something tangible and deeply engaging for the audience.
The strength of the production extends well beyond its principal roles. The ensemble cast including the chorus (Gwyn DeLeon, Miranda Guerrero, Emma Martinez) and fellow students (Payton Hester, Jacelyn Delaney, Nathan Sanchez, Manuel Leal, Isabella Duron) works seamlessly to create both the realistic classroom environment and the chaotic mental landscape unfolding within Alan’s mind.
Their ability to shift between these two worlds adds depth and complexity, enhancing the relatability and emotional impact that resonates so strongly with judges.
Behind the scenes, the production’s success is equally dependent on a dedicated and detail-oriented crew. Sophomore Kayla Dzierzanowski was recognized with the All-Star Technician Award, leading a talented group responsible for everything from sound and lighting cues to makeup and wardrobe.
Their precision and adaptability have been essential as the team advances through different venues in competition, ensuring each performance runs smoothly despite the technical demands of the show.
With its relatable theme, layered storytelling, and strong execution both on-stage and behind the scenes, The Test continues to stand out as a powerful and timely production. As Devine prepares for its next performance at Area, the cast and crew have already proven they have what it takes to succeed and with that comes at least one more opportunity to bring their story to life.
Congratulations to Director Jose Guardiola and the remaining cast and crew of Melenie Cardenas, Griffin Blouin, Angelica Castillo, Zack Martinez, Natalie Gutierrez, Briana Balderrama, Jessica Ballesteros, Deidre Bishop, Kassandra Fajardo, Taylor Garcia, VeraLee Martinez on advancing to Area!  Best of luck!