The first melodic notes of the show wash over the audience, settling the theatre as the revolution prepares to begin. Actors stand in the wings, techs standby for their cue, and parents exhale as the first moments of the production play out. Almost 100 people came together to put the Starlight Theatre Company (STC) 2026 main stage musical together this year and all of these efforts were put on display the last two weekends of January.
The STC tackled the enormous production that is Les Miserables this year, based on Victor Hugo’s novel depicting the French June rebellion. The show is known for its elaborate technical elements and heartbreaking performances, so the company had to prepare for countless hours of work.
The directors decided to build two double sided moving towers, two stationary towers, a false proscenium, and countless other set pieces and props. The intricate set required the work of every actor and tech for multiple hours each weekend the past three months, as well as every student in a tech theatre class dedicating entire periods to painting and finishing up any projects.
Another technical toll that needed to be tackled was costuming such a large cast. With over 30 ensemble members playing an average of four different characters, history teacher Ruth Narvaiz started sorting through the STC’s large costume inventory, creating and altering countless costumes. But she wasn’t alone, theatre teachers from across AISD graciously allowed the STC to borrow costumes for the production.
A few weeks before the production opened, STC alumni Connor Russell and Sam Holschuh returned to help set up the mic and sound system for the show. Their extra support shortened the time required to mic people, assisted in blending the sound between actors and a live accompaniment, and taught current students professional skills.
Not to mention the amazing support from the STC Booster Club, these parents come together to provide food for the entire cast and crew before shows, decorate the theatre lobby for the show, and reach out to the community to encourage donations and support.
All of this collaboration across a single production is a huge testament to the community of the STC. From every single actor being willing to get paint under their nails, to the alumni spending their free time returning to their high school theatre company because they want to help out. It takes a lot to put on a production, and the help from other schools across AISD and the community that has been built at Bowie itself is amazing.
