The cast and crew of “A Monster Calls” has advanced to the regional round of the UIL One Act Play contest. In their first year in 5A, the company has advanced through three levels of competition and is in the top 24 schools in the state.

Junior Bailey Thornburg (Conor), senior Kyah Wells (Mum), senior Makenna Worsham-Bowen (Monster), and junior Kolby Schulz (Harry/Ensemble) have received individual acting awards while junior Lorelai Thompson (Lights) and senior Ella Nye (Stage Manager) have received Outstanding Tech awards.

“When you perform this show, you’re really brought into the World of Conor,” junior Meagan Tubbs said.

Tubbs is performing in her sixth show at Melissa High School. She previously played Bruce in the fall musical “Matilda.”

“The visual effects of the show are very immersive and whimsical,” Tubbs said.

“A Monster Calls” is a very physical show that requires a lot of strong ensemble work.

“The ensemble is so important to this show because they carry the main characters through the story,” junior Riley Thornburg said.

Thornburg is acting in her second One Act Play. She was a part of the award winning ensemble of “The Lost Boy” in 2022.

“Most of the shows we have done at Melissa have had vitally important ensembles,” Thornburg said.

“A Monster Calls” will compete at the regional contest at the University of Texas at Arlington campus on April 22. If they place in the top two of six schools, they will advance to the state meet on May 5.