The Alamo Heights Junior School theater program is a fantastic choice for students who love performing arts! In theater, you have the opportunity to participate in plays and have a lot of fun. We interviewed Ali McLendon to learn more about her experiences in the program and how the cast prepares for their performances.

Ali McLendon shared how she has made great friends through theater, with some even becoming her best friends. “It’s amazing how many new people you can meet,” she said.

Ali also mentioned, “Normally, Ms. Bynum picks the plays, but occasionally, she lets us choose, like last year.” Being able to help select the plays adds an extra layer of excitement, and Ali praised Ms. Bynum for her great choices.

Theater students practice a variety of skills, including teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and improvisation. Ali explained, “This helps because sometimes you can forget your lines, and practicing a lot helps prevent that.”

Ali shared a memorable moment, saying, “Once, a classmate forgot one of their lines during a show, but since we practiced improv, we handled it well.” This example highlights the importance of being prepared—not just for yourself, but for your fellow cast members too.

Ali also noted that memorizing lines can be challenging, especially when they are in a different language. Despite the difficulties, she finds ways to practice: “I rehearse on stage at home and sometimes in other classes,” she said, demonstrating her dedication to improving her skills.

She added, “I started practicing during 6th period so I know what to say.” Other theater students also use their free periods to rehearse.

The Alamo Heights theater program is one of the best options for students interested in performing arts. Theater helps you develop important skills like improvisation, and if you want to be an actor, it’s a great place to start!