Wakeland Theatre always looks forward to doing shows across the seasons, but there’s one show that they look forward to every year: UIL. It’s a tradition that’s remained through Wakeland Theatre since the school was established, and the company intends to keep it going. With the show’s impactful story and powerful cast, it certainly makes mighty competition for other schools in the district, and even beyond.
The show, Underdog: The other, other Brontë, by Sarah Gordon, is a story about the three Brontë sisters and their struggles as women who want to publish books in the 1800s. One may know Emily Brontë, the author of Wuthering Heights, which was recently adapted into a 2026 film directed by Emerald Fennell.
“UIL has been going fantastically. It is great to be able to work with so many of my talented friends.” Says Jax Hernandez, a sophomore playing Branwell Brontë. Talent flows through Wakeland like a lifeline, and without it, Wakeland Theater wouldn’t have nearly as many metals as it does now. But if nothing else, the best thing to come out of UIL isn’t an award, but the interactions with your friends.
“The most exciting part about UIL has been getting to work as a team with all of my wonderful cast members and craft beautiful concepts for our beautiful show; it rocks.” Says Claire Taylor, a sophomore technician working on the show. Working hard is a constant between all Wakeland organizations, and yet again, friendship within that hard work perseveres.
“Even though I’m in band at Wakeland, I feel like UIL in theater is very similar to our UIL. They both utilize togetherness and unity, and that’s, I think, what’s most important in any group.” Says Kendall Huber, a Sophomore in Wakeland Band. It doesn’t matter which organization you’re part of at Wakeland; UIL is always something to look forward to and work hard for.
After months of hard work, Wakeland Theater is finally ready to perform for the public on Saturday, March 7th. They attend the competition on Tuesday, March 10th. Everyone who has worked on this show has worked so hard, and it’s possible because of the people around them.
