LOC: Friendswood, Texas
DATE: April 16, 2008

Every year the Friendswood High School Theatre Department puts on 7–10 different shows (probably more than any other public school in Texas). Being an alumna of FHS Drama, I remember all too well the excitement of the Spring: the last show of the year — U.I.L. One Act Play.

I probably don’t realize the full effect being involved in FHS Drama had on my life. A few things certainly stand out:

• I met my husband through theatre (that’s a biggie).
• I learned not only how to fake being comfortable speaking in public, but also to actually enjoy it.
• I learned the importance of being on time (I learned a great many things from my parents; how to be on time, however, is not one of them).

But I seem to find myself realizing more and more just how instrumental this theatrical training was, and still is, in my life as an adult. Most recently, and I’m surprised I hadn’t put this together before, I realized that theatre trained my eye for photography.

Enough about me, back to FHS Theatre. Kathy Powdrell, the department’s Director, has advanced to the U.I.L. State Meet 11 times, placing 7 of those 11 times, 3 of which were 1st place. She’s headed back again this year with a fantastic cast and crew. I had the privilege of covering a rehearsal for this year’s One Act Play a couple of nights ago, and it was such a treat! I enjoyed seeing Kathy, or as we lovingly called her in high school, “The Italian Dragon,” (Dragon Lady, Katnok, and Pod were also acceptable monikers) at work with her students. It brought back great memories and an even greater appreciation for the gift theatre has been to me.

I have posted just this one shot from that night’s rehearsal due to U.I.L restrictions. If you want to see more of The Canterbury Tales, go see them take state next weekend in Austin!

Thanks, Kathy, and break a leg!

CAMERA: Canon 40D
LENSES: Canon EF-S 10-22mm F/3.5-4.5; Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L