Advanced Technical Theater junior Jack Gray’s entry in UIL Theatrical Design visits the past in World War II Germany and leaps to the future as the first Theatrical Design entry to advance to State in Timber Creek.
“I hope that by going to State,” Gray said, “I’ll bring attention to the Timber Creek Theatre Department and its directors.”
UIL Theatrical Design provides participants with an existing play to work with; this year’s was Into the Woods. Students must create a new setting — including time period — and design the sets, layout the designs to scale, and depict the story in their snapshots and a brief synopsis. Gray took the classic story and placed it in Nazi Germany. Without completely changing the characters or the original tale, he adapted it to fit the dark times.
“For instance,” Gray said, “the Big Bad Wolf is a Nazi Soldier, Red Riding Hood runs secrets and messages back and forth to the townspeople, Grandma helps people escape, and the skyscraper — the SS Building — represents Jack and the Beanstalk and the watching eye of the Giant.”
Gray labored with the set for hours, including over weekends and late nights. But through the work, he also acknowledged the help of Timber Creek theater teacher Paul Raska.
“He encouraged me to enter UIL and was there when I needed him,” Gray said. “Raska is hands on, but he allows you to do your own work, which I appreciate. He pushes us to try new things and exceed what we thought were our limitations.”
At the state competition, Gray will go up against numerous designs — including that of fellow Keller ISD student from Keller High School, AJ Hayes. Despite the competition, Gray is optimistic.
“I am very proud to represent Timber Creek and the Theater Department at State,” said Gray. “The Theater Department and its directors are a great part of Timber Creek. I hope to bring back the first State Medal in Set Design for the school.”