Carroll Theatre launches free three-play fall festival in Southlake

Carroll Senior High's theatre department opened a first-of-its-kind fall festival Thursday, Oct. 15, staging three plays on the same night across two performance spaces in Southlake.

The festival features free admission to all three productions: "Lord of the Flies," "Peter and the Starcatcher" and "Picnic," Dragon Media reported. Each show is performed by a different theatre class.

Three shows running simultaneously is a new concept for the department. "Lord of the Flies" and "Peter and the Starcatcher" share the auditorium stage in a rotational format, while a small group of advanced theatre students performs William Inge's 1953 drama "Picnic" in the black box.

The cast breakdown reflects experience levels. The "Peter and the Starcatcher" ensemble is made up entirely of freshmen performing in a Carroll Senior High production for the first time.

The "Lord of the Flies" and "Picnic" casts draw mainly from students with prior department experience.

Freshman Kaci Bear, who plays Molly Aster in "Peter and the Starcatcher," told Dragon Media the production is her first play.

"This is my first play ever, and I am ecstatic to have gotten the opportunity to play Molly," Bear said.

Junior Carlyn Hooton, who plays Maurice in "Lord of the Flies," said the rotational format pushed the cast to problem-solve together.

That production, largely rehearsed in class, reimagines Sir William Golding's novel for a new setting and audience.

Senior Adia Singhania, who plays Mrs. Potts in "Picnic," said the black box staging changes the dynamic. The audience sits much closer than on a traditional stage, Singhania told Dragon Media, which strengthens the connection between performers and viewers.

Remaining performances are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18. On Saturday, "Peter and the Starcatcher" will precede "Lord of the Flies."

On Sunday, "Lord of the Flies" and "Picnic" begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by "Peter and the Starcatcher." Admission is free. More information is available on Carroll Theatre's Instagram, @carrolldragontheatre.