While the actors on stage captivate the audience, Coppell High School Ninth Grade Campus student Meenakshi Murthy executes the invisible cues that keep the performance moving seamlessly.
Murthy joined theater in sixth grade at Coppell Middle School West, but was initially focused on developing her creative skills through acting before discovering her true passion behind the scenes.
“I like acting, but I just felt like tech was more of my strong point,” Murthy said.
CHS9 technical theatre director Colin Thomas highlights this journey, emphasizing the proactive drive and leadership Murthy achieved since joining the high school program.
“Meenakshi is a workhorse and has the best attitude,” Thomas said. “She just takes ownership and will do things, even when she’s not asked to.”
Coppell High School sophomore Vidisha Paleti recognizes this relentless backstage drive, noting Murthy’s commitment sets a high standard for everyone on the cast.
“She’s definitely dedicated to theater, and she will always show up even if her character wasn’t needed,” Paleti said.
Through persistent dedication and rigorous practice, Murthy discovered her backstage role beginning to expand, allowing her organizational skills to shine. A notable improvement occurred when Murthy began taking on stage management responsibilities during eighth grade.
“I first started tech in eighth grade when I was doing stage management for our ‘Peter Pan’ show along with the UIL we did that year, and I really enjoyed it,” Murthy said.
This newfound confidence propelled her transition from middle school to high school stage manager for the 2025 fall JV One-Act Play, “Where the Sky Meets the Sea.”
Building on her success, Murthy prepares for her subsequent role running both sound and props for the spring musical, “SIX: Teen Edition.” While navigating rehearsal weeks, Murthy finds herself adapting to the unpredictable nature of theater changes.
Her diligent work culminated in her selection as a theater officer: secretary and treasurer, taking on the task of organizing the cast’s schedules so rehearsals run smoothly.
Her journey emphasizes the impact of effort and peer collaboration, which Murthy was recognized for when she was named outstanding technician for the Cowboy Theatre Company “Matilda The Musical” in January 2025.
“I felt really honored because I had so many other people working with me,” Murthy said. “And the fact that they all think I’m doing a great job makes me happy to know that I’m doing my part.”
Follow @CHSCampusNews on X.
