Senior Ashley Tysor was chosen to perform in the Select Ensemble for the Greater Austin High School Musical Theater Awards at the Long Center in April.

GAHSMTA is an award ceremony for Austin high schools. They put on a musical during the school year that is judged and awards are presented for every aspect of the show: choreography, lighting, and acting. Tysor will perform multiple numbers form other musical theater students from around Austin. She received the news via email during rehearsal for the fall show, Shakespeare in Hollywood.

“I was running and screaming down the hall, trying to find Ms. Smith to tell her the news,” Tysor said. 

To get the position, Tysor had to do an audition with a dance routine and singing performance. Now she has the opportunity that 30 or so students from around Austin to perform and represent the Austin Community in Select Ensemble. This helps when she is filling out college applications.

“Ashley is auditioning for musical theater programs around the country in the next few months and this certainly helps build up her resume,” theater teacher Stephanie Smith said. “I think college programs will see this as a sign of her talent, performance ability, dedication and work ethic.”

With her new opportunity, the theater community is proud to have her represent the school.    

“I was so excited,” Smith said.  “It is such a big deal. I was very proud of Ashley because I know that this is something that she has worked hard for and the thought of seeing her up on that Long Center stage at the show is thrilling. She will be a great representative for Rouse HS and the talent we have at this school.”