Tyler ISD

Tyler Legacy High School senior Theatre students enjoyed an evening of celebration, recognition, and a final bow on stage with their families, educators, and friends in attendance.

"It has been an incredibly accomplished season for our Legacy High School Theatre program," said newly named Legacy Theatre Director Leigh Shelton. "It has brought such joy to be part of the celebration for these talented young artists."

At the event's start, guests enjoyed displays featuring photographs, playbills, and other mementos from the graduating students. These became the backdrop for family members and fans to take pictures and students to reflect on their years of learning and developing their craft while looking ahead to a bright future.

The students below will continue their studies at the collegiate level. Each quote included is from Assistant Theatre Director Cindi Stokes.

Triston Bowser:

Triston will attend Tyler Junior College (TJC) to pursue an associate degree in engineering and transfer to Stephen F. Austin with a minor in theater arts. He has been a part of Tyler Legacy Theatre for four years.

"Triston is our dancing football player. Always has a smile and a solid performer that always brings the best dance moves."

Joseph Brumfield:

Joe has been in theatre for ten years and Legacy Theatre for the past two years. He will attend Texas Tech to pursue a degree in musical theatre.

"Joseph has the potential to be a working actor someday. He has a great work ethic and always approaches projects with professionalism. He has a beautiful voice."

Zach Combs:

Zach plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma to pursue a degree in musical theatre. He has been a member of Tyler Legacy Theatre for two years.

"Zach is a star. We are going to miss his presence. He came in two years ago and made Legacy Theatre his home. He helped build our department and has become a cornerstone of our identity. He is going to make it BIG!"

Henry Dewberry:

Henry plans to attend TJC and major in business while participating in TJC theatre.

"Henry was a delight to work with this year. We have loved getting to know him and his family."

Mackenzie Lee

Mackenzie will attend Sam Houston State University, majoring in technical theatre and design. She has been a part of Legacy Theatre for four years.

"Mackenzie has been such an important part of Legacy Theatre. It is hard to remember a time when she wasn't here. I have watched her since 8^th grade, and she has truly become one of the best stage managers Legacy Theatre has ever had. She has grown so much."

Peyton Marshall

Peyton plans to attend TJC and major in engineering while participating in TJC Theatre.

"Peyton's big personality always translated into big characters on the stage. We will miss having him as part of the Legacy Theatre family."

Jerard Mosley

Jerard has been involved in Tyler Legacy Theatre for three years. He plans to attend Texas State University to earn a degree in musical theatre.

"Jerard came along when we needed growth and energy back into Legacy Theatre. He grew our department and helped create a place where kids who needed a safe place could belong. His talent is unprecedented, and he will be a star. He will be remembered as a student who impacted Tyler Legacy Theatre."

Delaney Mullee

Delaney will attend Texas State University to major in psychology in their Honors College.

"If we could only have one more year with Delaney! She belongs on the stage. She has such natural talent and always carries herself poised. She is a hard worker and star in her own right."

J.J. Toly

J.J. will attend The University of Oklahoma to pursue a degree in technical theatre.

"J.J. is a lynchpin in how things work around Legacy Theatre. She holds things together and has been training people to fill her shoes – her VERY BIG SHOES. Such forethought and care for a department that she has led well."

Soda Walker

Soda plans to attend the College of the Mainland and major in film production. Soda has been a part of Tyler Legacy Theatre for four years.

"Soda's creativity is incredible. She can make something out of nothing! She has a sharp mind and can figure out just about anything. She is headed to nationals in poetry, and she will go far in the Arts."

Carter Wells

Carter will attend Texas State University, majoring in psychology and minoring in theater.

"Carter works so hard. She always set her goals to get better and make her way. She is tenacious in her rehearsal process, and it has made a difference."

After celebrating the next chapter for these amazing artists, scholarships were well-received and supported by community members focused on impacting the program.

"It was a joy to present scholarships from our generous sponsors," Current Booster Club President Amber Payne said. "We know these students deserved this recognition and support."

Scholarship Recipients:

Zach Combs, Joseph Brumfield, Peyton Marshall, Delaney Mullee, Jerard Mosley, and J.J. Toly

2023-2024 Legacy Theatre award recipients:

Freshman of the Year: Molly Slaughter;
Sophomore of the Year: Jabryn Carston;
Junior of the Year: Steven Young;
Senior of the Year: J.J. Toly.
Heart of Gold Award: Max Payne;
Take Action: Zach Combs;
Standing Ovation: Fabiola Quijada-Caraballo;
Promising Actor: Christian Taylor(not pictured);
Promising Actress: Mayleigh Wickliffe (not pictured).

There is much excitement surrounding the Tyler Legacy Theatre program, which has been nominated for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Musical Direction and has received four Outstanding Lead Performer nominations (Jerard Mosley, Fabiola Quijada-Caraballo, Zach Combs, and Max Payne) from Broadway Dallas for the fall musical, "Something Rotten." These students will perform solos on stage at the Broadway Dallas Awards Show on Friday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fair Park Music Hall in Dallas.