Mustangs theatre: 2026 state champions

The Marble Falls High School Theatre program took home gold on Monday, May 18, in the 2026 UIL 4A One Act Play State Championship. This was the troupe’s first ever state championship win. 

The Mustangs earned their first-place finish with their performance of “The Collective” by Jean Betts. The team took the stage on Monday night at the Austin Independent School District Performing Arts Center, facing off against performances from the other seven 4A state qualifiers.

Marble Falls actor Cameron Newell was also named best performer and outstanding performer of all the 4A state performances.

“Congratulations to the cast and crew of Marble Falls High School Theatre on an outstanding production of The Collective!,” reads a statement issued by the Marble Falls Independent School District. “Way to bring home the state championship to Marble Falls!”

The Mustangs’ win brings an end to a stellar season, with top performances at the district, bi-district, and regional levels leading up to state competition. The MFHS troupe has been on a roll for years, with 10 straight appearances in the playoffs and nine straight at regionals, four consecutive wins at regionals, and taking home silver in the 2025 UIL One Act Play 4A State Championship.

State champion cast

• Bert: Cameron Newell 
• Bea/Helen/Mother Courage: Nina Garcia
• Marilouise/Grete/Ensemble: Addison Dehorty
• Bess: Elsa Vandiford 
• Ruth/Ensemble: Brixton Osloond 
• Lottie/Olga/Cathy: Raney Watson
• Felix/Theatre Manager/Official 1/Heini: Evan Puga 
• Kurt/Ensemble: James Lawrence 
• Boy 3/Ensemble: Santiago Gaytan
• Boy 2/Ensemble: Jayden Jayne
• Official 2/Ensemble: Garrett Baertich
• Marie/Heidi/Ensemble: Vivian Warren
• Ensemble: Raul Moran
• Jack the Ripper/Ensemble: Caylie Garay
• Ensemble: Vivian Melton
• Ensemble: Jennie Lynn Gage
• Ensemble: Lance Rutland

State champion crew

• Anthony Ruiz
• Abby Kent
• Ashlyn Gibbons

State champion directors

• Jon Clark
• Jordan Jones
• Adam Goodman

dakota@thepicayune.com