This year’s OAP, The Balkan Women, is headed to regionals after advancing through district, bi-district and area. The group will compete on April 22 at Blinn in Brenham. Despite obstacles like tech malfunctions and props breaking in transit, the group pulled things together for each performance and is currently prepping for the last contest before state.

“Going to Teague was very fun. This time the room that we got to stay in was a lot bigger than the one we were in before so we had a ton of more fun,” freshman Hunter Fulmer said. “During awards we did our normal spike tape competition, and when we found out we advanced everybody was so happy.”

The group has heard many good things from the judges about their play and thinks they have a chance of making it all the way to state this year.

“I think we definitely have the potential to get to state and have a very good cast and play that’s changing people’s perspectives on things,” sophomore Payton West said. “I think with enough practice and dedication this play will be amazing.”

Omar Almeida and Nicollette Arabie both received honorable mentions, Emma Cocking and Waylon Johnson were named to All-Star cast and sound technician Tristan Cole was awarded All-Star Tech.

“I never expected to get an all-star cast,” Cocking said. “To say I was excited is an understatement.”

At area competition, the cast and crew again drew positive comments from the judges, with senior John Cocking being named All-Star Tech, Waylon Johnson and Ashley White being named to All-Star cast, and Omar Almeida again bringing home an honorable mention. In both bi-district and area, the group was edged out by Lexington.

“Lexington is our biggest competition right now,” sophomore Cylen Brown said. “But I know if we put in enough work and effort we might be able to pull ahead at regionals.”