Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine High School’s One Act Play cast and crew are preparing to take the stage at 5:00pm on March 24 at Navarro High School with their production of This is A Test, and the excitement is palpable. Excellent teamwork amongst all involved has fueled recent successes and will also be a viable factor in a Regional trip beyond next week’s performance.
“I am super excited that our show is advancing!” Guardiola said, emphasizing the hard work and dedication his students have put in. The recognition from judges is especially meaningful, validating countless hours of rehearsal and preparation. “We are all over the moon!” he added.
According to Guardiola, this year’s cast stands out for its size, diversity of talent, and unwavering determination. Many members are seniors who have grown alongside Guardiola within the program, while this year’s freshmen bring fresh energy he has watched develop since middle school. “Everyone wants to see this production succeed and everyone pulls their weight (or more!) to help our hard work come to fruition,” he said.
The process has not been without challenges, particularly mastering the choreography and comedic timing essential for This is A Test. “In a play with many moving parts, you really have to coordinate everyone’s lines, movement, and delivery. Especially with a comedy, it is all about timing,” Guardiola explained. A missed cue or mistimed joke can disrupt an entire scene, so precision and energy are paramount.
Leading dual comedic relief both on-stage and at-home are real-life brothers Maverick and Nolan Beaty. Maverick, named Outstanding Performer at both the Wimberley Festival and at District, and Nolan, who received All-Star Cast at District, project their unique and tremendous dynamic throughout the entirety of the 33-minute performance.
Performers Miranda Guerrero, Gwyn DeLeon, Emma Martinez, Jacelyn Delaney, Nathan Sanchez, Isabella Duron, Melenie Cardenas, Manuel Leal, Payton Hester, and Dakota Nighswander brilliantly add their own creativity and innovation to the production as well. Like the Beaty Boys, Nighswander and Hester have also made a favorable impression on judges recently as Nighswander earned Honorable Mention All-Star Cast at District while Hester was Honorable Mention All-Star Cast at Wimberley, adding a nice feather in each of their caps for their outstanding contributions.
Just as every team must have no matter the activity or competition, alternates Griffin Blouin, Angelica Castillo, Zach Martinez, and Issac Medina are ready and able to fill in nicely if the moment-of-need arises.
The technical crew also plays a vital role, bringing expertise and a willingness to tackle any task. Their experience ensures that the show runs smoothly, and their collaborative spirit extends beyond their specific roles. “If something needs to be done, or someone needs help with something, they do it without waiting to be asked,” Guardiola said.
Kassandra Fajardo, fresh off her District Crew Award selection, along with Briana Balderrama, Jessica Ballesteros, Deidre Bishop, Kayla Dzierzanowski, Taylor Garcia, Mia Gonzales, and VeraLee Martinez ensure set designs and props are properly functioning, in place, and ready to use at just the right moment.
As the Area-Advancing team prepares for their newest most important competition of the season, Guardiola continued instilling confidence through rigorous practice and reassurance throughout Spring Break rehearsals and also reminding students to feed off the energy of those in the audience once the curtain opens in Navarro.
Speaking of the support from the community, enthusiastic crowds have been present at each production and weekly recognition in The Devine News has also been a motivating force. “It means the world to these kids to know we are supported by more than just their own parents,” he noted.
Guardiola hopes judges and audiences alike recognize the effort, passion, and substantial growth of the Devine High School Theater program has showed over the last four years or so. “I hope they see us as a force to be reckoned with in the One-Act world,” he said in closing.
Other schools competing at Area are fellow District 27-4A schools Floresville and Carrizo Springs while District 28 4A advancing schools are Cuero, La Vernia, and Navarro.
Best of luck to Mr. Guardiola and the entire cast and crew of This is a Test at Area!
Dakota Nighswander AKA The Voice performs in This is a Test at Area.
