Let’s Grow Our Program to Allow All Students to “Take on Life”
By Luis Muñoz, Theatre Director | Friday, December 13, 2013 1:16 PM
At this festive season of the year, I know that many of you are looking for that perfect “play for all seasons” that will be the very best production in the history of OAP. I urge you to get ALL of your students involved in your theater program. Diversity extends far beyond color and reaches into the every facet of our student body. The character of Artie Abrams (featured on the television show “Glee”) has sparked discussions among actors and audiences alike. I would like to ask, “As directors, are we meeting the needs of all of our students?”
In the last few years, more directors have involved exceptional students in their programs. Last year I saw students on crutches, with wheelchairs, using interpreters and with limited or no vision on stage.
Last spring I saw a production that involved students from every walk of life. They were exceptional in every sense of the word. I could tell from the moment that the company hit the stage that this presentation would be noticeably different. I could tell as they tried to adapt their set and blocking to a different venue, that many were uncomfortable with the change. Their costumes and props were not the best. They did not have incredible technical effects. This cast was there to tell a story, and they used all their abilities to tell it. They were an exceptional cast, and I was moved to tears by their effort. They called themselves “The Island of Misfit Toys.”
This production went on to do well in competition. Their director and administration are to be commended for a job well done. No matter what the end result, this was a winning production. James Barton, one of my teachers at Texas State University, used to say that theater was an opportunity to “try on life.”
There is no better time in our history to look for opportunities and strategies to involve these young students in our art. It is the time to utilize the power of educational theater to give these young students an opportunity to develop the confidence and the passion to not only “try on life” but to take on life. All of the participants in OAP are winners, and you can make the difference in a child’s life.
FILM
WOW! The new film program is underway and results from the “Intent to Participate” submissions show that we’re in for a spectacular turnout. As of our last report we have 352 schools participating with 1753 intended productions. Due to the large numbers we have decided to divide the competition into two conferences. The first will include 1A, 2A and 3A. The second will include 4A and 5A.
Screeners will review approximately 600 documentaries, 720 narrative films and 427 animated films. A webpage for the contest has been set up on the UIL website. Go to www.uiltexas.org/film. The judging rubric and form will be developed in the next two weeks and posted on our website. Please be on the lookout for it.
The entry form, with instructions, will go up after Jan. 1. All entries must be submitted electronically. There will be no fees for this contest. Five finalists will be chosen in each category from each conference. The 15 finalists will be screened and awards will be presented at the Paramount Theatre in Austin on April 16, 2014. The final films will be posted online after the state contest.
THEATRICAL DESIGN FEES
Beginning this year, the fees for Theatrical Design have been waived. You will no longer need to pay any fees to enter the contest. The entry forms will be redesigned to reflect the change.
HANDBOOK
If you have not done so, please download the 20th edition of the Handbook for One-Act Play from the UIL website. It can be found under “Resources and Forms” in the Theatre section. There are many changes and you will be missing out on some great opportunities to explore the new scenic rules if you don’t read the publication.
CONTEST MANAGER CERTIFICATION
The Online Contest Manager Certification Program is online and running. More than 200 people have taken the test and are certified to manage your contests. The test info and link can be found at www.uiltexas.org/theatre/contest-managers. People taking the test can also opt to be included in the list of certified Contest Managers also on that webpage.
TETA
Jenny has been working hard at programming this year’s TETA Theatrefest. The League will be presenting several workshops. I will be doing a workshop for new teachers. Missy Head, Lewisville ISD, and I will be conducting a presentation on the new elimination system for 2014-15. The traditional OAP A-Z has been replaced for one year with a look into the future. We will spend Saturday exploring affordable new technology for the theatre. I’m excited about this exploration of apps and software that will help the designer and director produce and direct a play in the next few years. Additionally, we will introduce the 15 state judges for 2014. For more information, go to www.tetatx.com.
THESPIANS
My congratulations and thanks to Amy Jordan and her incredible team at Texas Thespians for organizing an incredible conference this last November. With over 4100 in attendance they managed to run the conference like a well-oiled machine. The state and national organization are to be commended. Our thanks from UIL.