TTAO Spring Newsletter

TTAO friends,

As we wrap up UIL One-Act Play Area contests and move quickly into Region contests, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the work you are doing across the state. Whether you are serving as a contest manager or adjudicator, your leadership ensures that every contest is not only well-run, but also a meaningful and educational experience for the students and directors involved.

This season is demanding, and the pace can be relentless. Yet, time and again, you show up with professionalism, care, and a commitment to the craft that reflects the very best of our organization. It certainly doesn’t hurt that we’ve been gifted some amazingly beautiful spring weather—at least in the Houston and Austin areas—as we move through this busy time of year. As you continue through Region contests, I encourage you to remain grounded in the TTAO core values of education, diversity, integrity, transparency, and service. These values guide our decisions, shape our interactions, and ensure that every student experience is rooted in fairness, respect, and growth.

Please remember to complete the evaluations as you finish your contests this season. It is a huge help to TTAO and UIL in learning how we can be an even better organization. Thank you for the passion, expertise, and generosity you bring to theatre education in Texas. Your work matters, and it is making a difference for students and programs across our state.

Artfully yours,

Scott

R. Scott Allen, Ed.D.

President, TTAO

If you missed past Fireside Chats, you can find them on our website, Adjudicator Resources page.

This is for members who want to renew for next year, only after May 1. Please renew by June 1 to be considered for Area, Region and State adjudication..

Adjudicators and Contest Managers,

On behalf of UIL, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to each contest manager and adjudicator for the time, energy, and care you have contributed throughout the season. Please know that your efforts are deeply valued. My heart is full of gratitude for the unforgettable memories we created this season. If I gathered all your stories, it would make for a bestselling novel! As the season draws to a close (already?), I would like to share a few important reminders and updates.

Evaluations

OAP Directors are submitting their evaluation forms. Thank you for all your efforts on this. TTAO and the UIL also needs feedback from our judges and contest managers. When you have a moment, please submit your evaluations for the contests you participated in this season. Your insights play a vital role in helping us plan for 2026–2027—from securing sites and assigning judges and CMs, to enhancing the overall OAP experience.

Deadline: June 1- see links below

 Contest Manager Evaluation Form

 Adjudicator Evaluation Form

Coming Soon: OAP State Meet 2026

As a member of TTAO, you will receive one complimentary pass to the OAP State Meet, granting access to all performances across all conferences. An official UIL letter with details will be arriving in your inbox soon. OAP State Meet Dates: Critiques for 1A, 2A, 4A, and 5A to take place the morning following the contest. 3A and 6A critiques occur after the awards ceremony.

 1A – May 11

 2A – May 12

 3A – May 13

 4A – May 18

 5A – May 19

 6A – May 20

Location: Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, Austin

Additional details (performance schedules, parking, and more) to be posted on the UIL OAP State Page.

Attending the OAP State Meet?

If you’ll be there, I hope you’ll stop by and say hello! We don’t get many chances to

connect in person, and it would be wonderful to visit and thank you face-to-face.

UIL Capital Conference

We are excited to begin planning for the 2026 UIL Capital Conference! If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge and supporting the UIL theatre community, we would love to hear from you. Proposal FORM

Save the Date: June 30 and July1

Location: Austin Airport Hilton

This teacher conference will offer sessions for both new and experienced OAP

directors, as well as Film and Theatrical Design sponsors. If you have a great lesson or

insight to share—whether in acting, directing, rehearsal techniques, or design—please

email me. Space will be limited this year.

100 th Anniversary of OAP!

Get ready to take center stage! We’re thrilled to kick off the countdown to the 100th anniversary of the largest One-Act Play Contest of this kind! Since1927 this unique contest has showcased talent,

creativity, and the power of storytelling across Texas communities. Stay tuned as we as share throwback moments, and opportunities to honor the legacy (and future!) of the UIL One-Act Play Contest. Here is a link to a brief and optional questionnaire. Whether you’ve been part of the journey for years or are just starting out, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

With warmest appreciation,

Paula

TTAO Contest Manager and Adjudicator Certification Spring 2026-Training #2

Our 2nd spring training is open for registration. A reminder, we offered two certification training sessions in the fall and one in the spring. This 4th will meet our goal servicing all four UIL Academic Regions.

Spring Training #2

Where: Austin ISD Performing Arts Center

When: Adjudicator Training -1A State Meet

May 11 and 12, 2026

TTAO Trainers: Dr. R. Scott Allen and Jill Ludington

When: Contest Manager Training-3A State Meet - FULL

May 13 and 14, 2026

TTAO Trainers: Amy Jordan and Jill Ludington

Thank you to those interested in becoming TTAO Contest Managers and Adjudicators! Complete the application and pay the training fee prior to the April 20th deadline (or until slots are filled) to be considered for participation in the certification workshop. This event is limited to: Adjudicators -20 participants and Contest Managers-5 participants. You will be notified if your application is approved and you are eligible to participate by April 30th, and a more detailed schedule will be available at that time.

Apply to become a TTAO Adjudicator

Training times: May 11th 7:30 am-midnight and May 12th 9:00 am-noon (dependent on the contest schedule which may vary)

Step 1: Complete the Adjudicator Application Registration Link

Step 2: Pay for Training Here