Texas Border Business
By Sara Reyna
South Texas College Theatre and Dance recently marked its 3rd Annual STX Play Festival with a new addition of a playwright’s panel discussion, designed to offer writers, community members and students a celebration of cultural storytelling and professional development.
STC Theater Support Service Technician Johanna Leal highlighted the significance of this year’s festival.
“The event is the only playwright festival in the Rio Grande Valley, emphasizing inclusivity and celebrating diversity,” Leal said. “You see gatherings of this kind as a common practice in California or New York, which is why we wanted to bring it to STC. It provides a vital platform for Latinx voices to be heard and stories to be shared, especially bringing that spotlight to our incredible local talent.”
With the two-day event showcasing three stage readings and a stage adaption of this year’s workshop production “Burritos Pa’ Morir,” Leal explained the methods used to produce and organize the festival offers community members and students a unique challenge.
“The playwrights must create vivid imagery since there are limited props and staging elements, and our STC students help spearhead these performances,” Leal explained. “This challenge not only enhances our students’ and festival members’ creativity, but it also invites our audience to give their feedback. Ultimately we work together as a larger community to help shape our playwrights’ artistic vision.”
STC Drama student Jorge Sepulveda described the impact of the festival as a learning opportunity that goes “beyond the performances,” because helping facilitate the event was a hands-on educational opportunity for growth, something he said is necessary for his future goals.
“My goal is to become a theater teacher one day,” Jorge explained. “Opportunities like this one, keep me inspired to build upon a strong foundation of experience I know I’ll need. Because of this festival we got to work closely with industry professionals, and that is invaluable.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Brownsville native and Nikki Rowe High School Theater Technical Director Gabriel Flores expressed his appreciation for how the annual event has helped refine his skills and given him something to look forward to each summer.
“STC Theater has graciously created something I look forward to during the summer. This is my third year participating in the festival where I played a role in all three featured playwright scripts,” Flores said. “Returning to the event stemmed from wanting to refine my skills in acting and working with other local talent. It’s heartwarming to celebrate these Latinx creative works while forming connections with new or returning community members.”
Leal explained that while the festival takes place at the college’s Cooper Center Auditorium at the Pecan campus in McAllen, they encourage the entire RGV community to try something new or nurture a passion they have for theatre.
“While our festival offers a space to share Latinx stories, we want to emphasize that the event is also a safe space to grow and learn here at STC,” Leal explained. “It’s an opportunity open to all, including those who may feel like opportunities are limited. The environment and culture here inspires laughter, reminisces on traditions and fosters growth and learning, ensuring everyone involved can realize their potential no matter their age or experience.”
As the curtain falls on another successful year, Flores emphasized the beauty of sharing the stage with STC’s students and the RGV community.
“I just want to encourage everyone to experience live theater at least once in their lives. It’s not just about entertainment. It’s about cultivating and sharing a vibrant space where Latinx stories thrive, fostering creativity and truly coming together to celebrate our community in an unforgettable festival,” Flores added.
