By: STO Gabriel Brock, Goose Creek Memorial High School, Troupe 8132; STO Folarin Oyeleye, Foster High School, Troupe 7961
The 2020-2021 school year has been one for the history books. Every aspect of school life was flipped on its head, and the UIL season was not any exception. This year One-Act Play and Theatrical Design both saw significant renovations to the contest structure and procedure. While OAP entered its 20th competition year, having to make a significant shift from how the contest functioned in the past, the Theatrical Design’s format played a considerable part in how it operated this year. We sat down (virtually) with Rachael Gomez, the UIL Theatrical Design State Director, and talked with her about how UIL Theatrical Design operated this school year amidst the Covid pandemic. Q: Theatrical Design is probably the UIL event best suited for operating during Covid because of the event’s format, but how has the contest functioned this year? A: We knew what our situation was going to be, and we knew it had to be virtual. We set it up in such a way that saved the integrity of the event but kept everyone safe; we wanted it that way. We didn’t have to rent any space, which meant we would be able to really help out other contests financially by making that choice as well. UIL Covid protocols were already going to limit the number of participants. So having OAP and Theatrical Design [in the same venue], would cause extra chaos or people to be on the same site. It just made sense to do it virtual this year. Q: How would Theatrical Design work at State during an in-person year? A: At State [during a regular year], you send your stuff in, it goes up on display, and you know what it and everybody elses’ looks like. I haven't been able to turn [the submissions] into a gallery for everybody to be able to see that digital work. You get to see everything. If you go to the State and you get to walk through that gallery. Oh, I just miss that so much. Beautiful. Yes, it’s like looking at a travel brochure instead of being at the site, you know? Q: Have there been any unique challenges or tribulations faced this year? A: We had the weather kind of hit. We were all set up to have everybody enter, and then that's when the snowpocalypse came on and that was right at our deadline. Because that was the week before preliminaries were due. The oral aspect, which was introduced two years ago, is probably the one major part of the contest [that would be the hardest logistically to implement]. I don't see how we're gonna be able to Zoom each person in to have 30 seconds with the judge and out. That just sounds logistically, horrible. If we can figure out how to make it happen, we're all for it. It's just the logistics of this. So many kids getting together one at a time. It would take a much more savvy technical person than me to do that. Q: How have certain aspects, whether preliminary level or the state contest, different from those in previous years? A: Obviously, last year, we had to make the decision that the state contest was going to be virtual, and this meant that kids couldn’t resubmit updated work. There were some new people that hadn't won before who won. I saw some new names of schools, and it was really fun. This year we saw an increase in [students and sponsors] that had not done it before. We've seen some growth of introducing new people because it was virtual. Another thing is we created a submission template. [It will] have the titles, the UIL logo, etc., and they insert their work into them. All of the judges will see consistent work. This way, we make sure nobody submits anything upside down or sideways. Hopefully, it'll be some new technology that we all learned this year that makes some sense. We also were able to get state judges that we never would’ve been able to get if we were in person because of travel. We have a couple of judges from New York, including a previous Hair and Make state champion who now makes wigs on Broadway and agreed to come. And we wouldn't have had that opportunity if we weren't virtual. We also have another judge who’s a professor at Texas State [University]. Q: How have kids, teachers, and sponsors handled the increased amount of emails due to changes and adding a virtual aspect? A: I think it hit the hair and makeup kids the hardest. The kids who aren’t as good at the application or not as good at drawing rely on that side of it being the way to show their expertise. It turned out to be the worst year ever for makeup. Some kids were having to put makeup on their little brother because that was the only model they had. I definitely had an increase in emails, a lot of them starting with “Hi, I’m a first-year teacher” or “Hi, this is my first year sponsoring this event,” but the truth is this was like a first-year for everybody. If I have that many people asking it, I need to be more clear in the handbook. We love, love people asking questions. Q: How has the state office dealt with equity in the contest, not just between schools affected by Covid, but between less and more affluent schools in the state competing? A: I think that there absolutely needs to be more equity in the UIL contests, and we try our hardest to even out the playing field whenever it comes to theatrical design. Obviously, schools that have fewer resources aren't going to compete at the same caliber as more affluent schools. The school with five theatre directors will be much more capable than the school with a coach who has an off-period that teaches five UIL events. We try to make sure that the contest, as it stands, leaves an opportunity for any kid to place because every kid can have a great idea, it’s just a matter of communicating that idea and putting it on paper. While we can’t make the contest so easy anyone can win, we try to keep it fair and modest. Q: While we’re over a year out before the next contest, is there any rumbling as to whether or not Theatrical Design 2022 will return in person? A: That is definitely the plan. We had to stop and deal with the pandemic and everything. All we have to do is get over the speed bump, get through these years, make them as great as we can, and get back on track with the other. Theatrical Design was not the only UIL Theatre event that had a serious face lift. The One-Act Play competition went through quite a serious overhaul to adjust to the current times, both major and minor: changes to the contest structure like modifications to official tech rehearsals and setup, the nullification of the 1-minute rule, a 10 minute break to allow for any finishing touches, once that ends curtains go up! You still had the usual 7 minute strike, but afterwards a fun twist! Critiques came right after strike, so there's no waiting around until after results. Not only did the individual contest see changes but the entire advancement chain was changed with the elimination of the Area contests, arguably making the contest more competitive. These new guidelines have been vital in ensuring the One-Act Play experience was still enjoyable, but safe first and foremost. We extend an enormous thanks to everyone who helped the show go on and Rachel Gomez for contributing to this blog. Thank you to OAP companies and Theatrical Designs participants, to Contest Managers and Adjudicators, to the host schools, teachers, and sponsors, as well as the folks in the State office who helped make everything run smoothly. Thank you! Your 2020 & 2021 Texas State Thespian Officers
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By: STO Piper Daniell, Midway High School, Troupe 4770, and STO Gentry Phillips, Springtown High School, Troupe 1494
One Act Play has definitely looked different this year. With COVID-19 being an ever present fear, schools had to problem solve and think creatively in order to give the green light on their shows. Thus far, schools have competed in Zone, District, Bi-District, and Area competitions. That leaves Region to be conquered next. Ah yes Region, the second scariest competition (State takes first place of course). These shows displayed a great amount of determination at the hands of the people who are running them. They worked tirelessly, actors, technicians, and directors alike, to make their show the best it can possibly be. We applaud you and are so proud of you! After Region is state, the part of One Act Play everyone has collective dreams (and nightmares) about. This is the thing everyone has been working towards all of second semester. To move onto State is a great honor and privilege. For everyone competing in State, congratulations and break a leg! So, where does that leave the rest of us? Do we just throw away our shows forever and forget this ever happened? No, of course not! Whether your school made it all the way or not, be proud of it! Your hard work and dedication speaks volumes, especially in the world's current climate. Theatre has the power to afflict the comfortable, and comfort the afflicted. Your show made an impact on someone. It might be your director, a cast mate, an audience member, or even yourself. That impact is something to truly celebrate! We are so proud of all of you! Your 2020 & 2021 Texas State Thespian Officers By: STO Talya Hammerman, Ridge Point HS, Troupe 7678, and STO Karis Klammer, Montgomery HS, Troupe 5986, and STO Brenna Kenney, Rouse HS, Troupe 7679
As the school year is coming to an end, we are so excited to welcome a whole new class of freshmen into our schools! Now, freshmen, we know that you are probably scared thinking about going to a bigger school, meeting new people, and having to try the cafeteria food, but have no fear because the STOs are here to answer all of your questions about high school! Below you will find the STO’s “Declassified School Survival Guide” (although you may be too young to understand that reference)!
There you have it: everything you could possibly need to know about high school (besides how to pass physics)! We hope this helped calm your nerves about high school and answered your most dire questions. We promise it’s not as scary as it looks in movies. The STOs wish you the best of luck in your high school endeavors, and now that you’ve read this blog, you are an expert on all things high school. If you have any more questions, let us know in the comments! Break a Leg Freshmen, Your 2020 & 2021 Texas State Thespian Officers |
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