As the lights began to dim down on the stage, a few Caney Creek actors began to feel a major pressure be lifted from their shoulders while anxiety creeped in. All that was left was to await their results.

Those results ended in a bittersweet moment for the UIL One Act Play troupe at the area meet. The group did not advance to regionals, but did well for the second straight year.

This year’s group placed first at zone, bi-district, district and were named the alternates at area in competitions taking place mid-March to early April.

This year the Theatre Troupe was able to advance to area round.

Senior Wyatt Langehennig played the lead role of Richard Hannay in their adaptation of “The 39 Steps.” Langehennig took home the Best Actor award from each of those events. He says that being placed first feels like a sense of accomplishment because of how much work they put into their play.

“When you’re just sitting there in the auditorium and you hear that your school’s called it’s just like, ‘We did that,’” Langehennig said. “It just fills me with a sense of pride.”

During the event, many actors were able to receive a medal for their performance. One of these actors was all-star cast Matthew Clemmer.

“It was pretty cool,” Clemmer said. “I didn’t expect it but after getting them in a row it really made me feel good about my ability as an actor”

Others receiving awards at area were Clayton Mashaw, technical crew; Haleigh Huggins, honorable mention all-star cast; Caysey Mackey, all-star cast.

A newcomer to the group was freshman Donavon Crimm. He played several roles including Policeman/Heavy/Sheriff/Pilot/Clown.

“My favorite thing about the play was the skill you had to have to play multiple parts,” Crimm said. “Everyone in the play had to play multiple parts, and I had to play four. I had to switch in between them extremely fast.”

Once the troupe ended its run, it hosted performances at the school for the students’ peers to watch.