Bridgeland High School One-Act Play Places Among Texas’ Best in State UIL Contest
Bridgeland High School’s theatre students returned from the state capital with high honors after placing fourth in the UIL Class 6A One-Act Play State Competition on May 21. Their gripping production of Confederate Letters by Barre Gonzalez stood out among the top high school performances in Texas, affirming the school’s place among the state’s most elite theatre programs.
This year marked the second time Bridgeland advanced to the UIL state stage. The Bears previously earned second place in 2023 with Henry Lumper, and their return this spring reaffirmed their growing legacy in high school theatre.
“We are incredibly proud to have placed fourth in the state at the UIL One-Act Play competition in the highly competitive Class 6A division,” said Adam Delka, Bridgeland’s head theatre director. “Bringing Confederate Letters by Barre Gonzalez to life on this stage was an unforgettable journey and this recognition is a true testament to the heart, dedication and artistry of our cast, crew and creative team.”
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The play, which wrestles with the complexities and contradictions of wartime through a historical lens, received strong praise from adjudicators and audiences alike. Delka emphasized the emotional weight and artistic rigor behind the performance. “It was an honor to receive such powerful and positive responses… and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share a story that confronts the complex and often ugly truths of all sides of war.”
Two students were recognized individually for their performances: senior Walter Carmack earned an Honorable Mention All-Star Cast award, while sophomore Noah Eugenio was named to the All-Star Cast. Both actors were lauded for their emotional depth and command on stage.
The accolades reflect a long-standing commitment to the performing arts within Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. “The beauty of this production was forged through the blood, sweat and tears of an incredible company… but the success of this company did not begin with this production alone,” Delka added. “It is the culmination of years of commitment, training and growth—from the foundational work in our outstanding CFISD middle school theatre programs to the daily grind of rehearsals, technique building and storytelling refinement.”
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Bridgeland principal Rich Dixon echoed those sentiments. “This recognition is a testament to the countless hours our students and directors dedicated to rehearsing and perfecting their craft. With over 260 schools competing across the state, securing a spot in the top five is a remarkable achievement.”
Dixon also acknowledged the community that helped power the team to success. “We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents and community members whose unwavering support helped make this success possible. Your encouragement continues to inspire and uplift our students as they strive for excellence.”
The Class 6A division of the UIL One-Act Play Competition is one of the most competitive high school theatre contests in the nation. With Bridgeland’s fourth-place finish, the Bears have cemented themselves as a program to watch—and a symbol of excellence in public school arts education.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
