Rankin OAP takes Reckless to State
L.A. | The Atom
Rankin, Texas -- Rankin High School has put together a winning cast and crew for their production of Reckless, and with the help of experienced directors, they are now UIL One-Act Play Conference 1A State qualifiers preparing to compete in Austin in May. One Rankin ISD leader and educator who has contributed to this success is Academic Advisor and Safety and Security Director Adrian Gallardo. Like many of the students currently showing off their talents, he, too, was introduced to theatre as a young Rankin Red Devil.
Gallardo grew up in the nearby farming community of Midkiff and attended Rankin High School. That’s where he discovered his love of theatre. From playing the Mad Hatter in “Alice in Wonderland” to a more serious role in “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” Gallardo often performed onstage at Rankin before graduating and continuing his studies at the University of the Permian Basin. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, then returned to continue his studies in English with a focus on dramatic literature. Soon after, he accepted his first teaching role in Valentine, Texas.
In 2006, Gallardo joined the teaching staff at Rankin ISD, where he has been working with students in theatre, speech and debate ever since. In his first year back home at Rankin, only five students auditioned. 19 years later, the school tends to produce plays with large ensembles to provide opportunities for all of the students who want to be involved.
“We have built it back up to a large program,” said Gallardo.
He said he enjoys all kinds of theatre from Shakespearian comedies to contemporary dramas.
“One-act is where students from different backgrounds can come together and become a family. They learn things like empathy and understanding and character in general,” Gallardo said. “Learning all kinds of stories in theatre definitely helps students in history and English class.”
In February, Rankin sixth grade students performed The Brothers Grimm Spectacularthon and seventh and eighth graders performed John Lennon and Me. The high school cast and crew for “Reckless” attended a Master Class in movement with Rick Garcia before their first round of competition at the District level. Advancing to Bi-District Mar. 25, Area Apr. 11 and Regional Apr. 24, Reckless is on its way to Austin May 12. Along the way, students Lathin Langley, Heath Amthor, Lorelei Deurstine, Aryann Rodriguez and Taight Jackson have been selected for All-Star Cast awards and Monse Presas has been recognized as Best Performer. Julia Griswold, Hunter Amthor and Sofia Moran have made All-Star Crew.
“I’m very proud of this cast. It’s a young group,” said Gallardo. “Monse is a senior and she is onstage the entire time. About half of this group is freshman and they have really worked hard and stepped up. They’ve made us really proud.”
This won’t be the first time Gallardo has taken Rankin students to State. He has previously led three other student productions to State for OAP, including “The Boys Next Door,” which took first place. Two others have placed third.
“Reckless” is a dark comedy written by Craig Lucas with themes of betrayal, deception and life in a chaotic world.
“I’m not the only director,” Gallardo said, “Eric Barber and my wife are also part of the team. We all read and discuss several plays over the summer and choose the one that best fits the needs of the kids.”
He said one of the interesting things about Reckless is the absurdity.
“I love the ending scene,” said Gallardo. “It’s heart wrenching.”
In Austin, Rankin will be competing with productions from Benjamin, Trinidad, Gail /Borden County and others. After that, Gallardo will take on a different role. He will be moving on to become the principal at Reagan County High School next year, where he hopes to reintroduce theatre in a district that does not currently offer a theatre program.
“That is important to me. I have several goals,” Gallardo said. “I hope to build relationships with the community, teachers and students. I want to help students grow. For a lot of students, school is their only experience with theatre,” Gallardo said. “We want them to be comfortable enough to try new things and to enjoy the journey.”
Just before opening each performance, it is a Rankin tradition for members of the cast and crew to remember something for which they are grateful.
“I’ve been grateful for every year at Rankin. For the kids and my co-directors,” said Gallardo. “Everyone has been willing to trust each other and put on the best show we possibly can.”
(Photo Courtesy of Rankin ISD)
