The Boerne Community Theatre (BCT) has been a Boerne institution since 1991, providing not only outstanding drama productions, but also serving the Boerne community and surrounding areas. Juliana Hargrove, a freshman at Champion High School, is one of many youths who have the opportunity to learn the art of theatrical production at BCT. 

Juliana was first introduced to the program the summer after 6th grade, a year after she moved to Texas. The BCT’s summer programs were foundational for Juliana’s love for musical theater and paved the way for her journey with the organization. After the final production of Mirror Image (the show put on during her first camp) she remembers coming home and saying, “Dad, next summer you have to sign me up for this again!” BCT hosts two summer camps, with one in June and one in July; each session produces a musical featuring kids in 2nd-7th grade. Juliana loved being a part of these camps, cultivating her singing abilities and love for all things theater, until she was invited to BCT’s teen troupe the summer before her 8th grade year. 

Teen Troupe, the high school division of BCT productions, has been a monumental part of Juliana’s life where she has found community and family in ways she never expected. This began the moment she was invited, and she will always remember being told, “Once you walk through these doors, you are no longer a stranger.” Not only has Juliana met her best friends through Teen Troupe; she has also had the opportunity to express herself through playing various roles and has served her community in the off season. 

When the BCT Teen Troupe isn’t busy perfecting one of their incredible shows or prepping for an upcoming one, they spend time caring for residents of Boerne. From assisting senior citizens, to performing in Dickens on Main, to serving at galas and Mother’s Day church services, to volunteering at The Daily Bread, the members of the Teen Troupe express devoted selflessness by offering their services in and around Boerne. 

As for the musical theater aspect, BCT Teen Troupe puts on 2 shows a season, one in spring and one in fall. This year the fall production was Flapper, one of Juliana’s favorites, and the spring show was A Family Reunion to Die For, a murder mystery comedy. Juliana loves the comradery that results from working on these shows. She said, “You will always find a home at BCT, whether that is being a technician, being a crew member, on stage, or running publicity.” All of the BCT productions, even the ones performed in the summer camps, hold a special place in Juliana’s heart. Her 3 favorite shows were Flapper, Tale of Snow White, and Night at the Wax Museum. 

Teen Troupe is truly a year long commitment, with productions put on in the spring and fall, community work in between those seasons, and their major summer event: the Theater Network of Texas (TNT). This is a five-day event in the first week of June, where 12 community theater teen troupes from Texas congregate at a big theater center to perform, network, participate in workshops, and learn about other teen troupes. Juliana is excited for her first TNT event coming up this summer! The cast and crew have been preparing and will continue to do so throughout the spring.

Juliana plans to make the most of her time at BCT for her high school years but does not see theatrical endeavors in her future. The musical theater program at Champion High School, as well as Teen Troupe and summer camps with BCT have opened doors for Juliana personally, socially, and mentally. The skills she has acquired will serve her well in the future as she plans to enter the world of cyber security through her school’s P-Tech program. Juliana and all the members of Boerne Community Theater truly impact Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch. If you have time and would love to support the efforts of this organization, please consider attending one of their many high-quality performances!