On Wednesday, students from the Advanced Learning Academy, CAST Tech, and CAST STEM took to the stage at MacArthur High School to compete in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) One-Act Play Contest, joining other area schools in a celebration of student theatre and performance.

The UIL One-Act Play Contest is one of the largest and most prestigious high school theatre competitions in the nation. Schools across Texas, divided by enrollment size, prepare and present an 18-40 minute play, showcasing their talent in acting, design, and technical theatre. Productions are evaluated by either a panel of three judges or a single judge, who consider elements like acting, direction, technical execution, and overall impact. Awards are presented for individual performances, technical achievement, and advancing plays.

Representing San Antonio and Southwest ISD, each of the competing schools brought their own unique vision and creativity to the stage:

→ The Advanced Learning Academy (ALA) is known for its emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and innovation. ALA uses arts integration and real-world learning experiences — like theatre — to help students build critical thinking and communication skills.

→ CAST Tech High School focuses on careers in technology, business, and user experience design. CAST Tech students apply creative and technical skills to real-world projects — and their participation in UIL Theatre gives them an opportunity to explore storytelling, performance, and design outside of a traditional classroom.

→ CAST STEM High School, located at Palo Alto College, emphasizes engineering, energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology pathways. CAST STEM’s involvement in the UIL One-Act Play Contest provides students from STEM-focused programs a creative outlet and the chance to collaborate, perform, and problem-solve in new and artistic ways.

This year’s contest at MacArthur High School featured powerful performances from all participating schools, highlighting the diverse talents of students across San Antonio and their dedication to the art of theatre. Congratulations to each school for their hard work and performances!