Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Rule Book

This rule book outlines the guidelines and regulations for the Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Contest, a prestigious event that fosters the development of theatrical skills and artistic expression among young performers. This document serves as a comprehensive guide for participating schools, providing clear expectations and ensuring a fair and enjoyable competition experience for all involved.

The contest emphasizes the importance of teamwork, creativity, and technical proficiency, while promoting the appreciation of theatrical arts within the educational setting. It is designed to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents, learn from experienced adjudicators, and engage in healthy competition. The rules outlined in this document are intended to maintain a high standard of performance, ethical conduct, and fair play throughout the contest.

By adhering to these rules, participating schools ensure the integrity of the competition and contribute to the overall success and lasting impact of the Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Contest.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Participation in the Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Contest is open to all public and private middle schools within the state of Texas that are members of the University Interscholastic League (UIL). To be eligible, schools must meet the following criteria⁚

School Membership⁚ Schools must be active members in good standing with the UIL. This ensures that schools are adhering to the UIL’s rules and regulations, fostering a fair and equitable competition environment.
Grade Level⁚ The participating students must be enrolled in grades 6, 7, or 8 at the time of the contest. This ensures that the competition is focused on middle school students and allows for appropriate age-based challenges and development.
Faculty Director⁚ Each participating school must have a designated faculty director responsible for overseeing the production and guiding the students. This ensures that the students receive proper guidance and support throughout the process, promoting a safe and productive learning experience.

To officially enroll in the contest, schools must complete and submit the required registration forms and entry fees as outlined in the UIL One-Act Play Handbook. These forms provide essential information about the school, the production, and the participating students. The deadline for enrollment is typically announced by the UIL and must be strictly adhered to.

The enrollment process ensures that all participating schools are properly registered and meet the necessary requirements, contributing to a smooth and organized contest experience.

Play Selection and Submission

The selection of a suitable play is a crucial step in the Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Contest. Schools are required to choose a published play that meets the specific guidelines outlined in the UIL One-Act Play Handbook. These guidelines aim to ensure a high standard of quality, age-appropriateness, and diversity in the chosen works.

Published Plays⁚ Plays must be published by a reputable publishing house and have a recognized copyright. This ensures that the works are readily available and that the rights of the authors are protected. The UIL provides a list of approved plays, which can be accessed through their official website or handbook.
Time Limit⁚ The chosen play must be adapted to fit within a time limit of 18-40 minutes; This allows for a fair and efficient competition, while ensuring that the performances are engaging and focused. Schools may need to make cuts to the original script to meet this requirement.
Content Appropriateness⁚ The play must be appropriate for middle school audiences and adhere to the UIL’s ethical standards. This ensures that the content is sensitive to the age and maturity level of the students and avoids potentially offensive or controversial material.

Once a play is selected, schools must submit a copy of the script to the UIL for approval. The submission deadline is typically announced by the UIL and should be carefully adhered to. This process allows the UIL to review the chosen play and ensure that it meets all the necessary requirements.

This careful selection and submission process ensures that the competition features plays of high quality, suitable for the middle school audience, and adhering to the UIL’s ethical standards, contributing to a meaningful and enriching experience for all involved.

Performance Requirements

The Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Contest demands a high standard of performance, emphasizing technical proficiency, artistic expression, and adherence to the UIL’s guidelines. The following performance requirements ensure a fair and engaging competition experience for all participating schools⁚

Stage Design and Technical Elements⁚ Schools are responsible for designing and constructing their own sets, props, and costumes. While the UIL allows for creative freedom, the design must be practical, safe, and appropriate for the chosen play. The use of live animals is strictly prohibited, and all technical elements must be handled responsibly and safely.
Performance Time⁚ Performances must adhere to the strict time limit of 18-40 minutes. Exceeding this time limit will result in penalties, potentially impacting the school’s overall score. Schools must carefully plan their performances to ensure they fit within the designated timeframe.
Sound and Lighting⁚ The use of sound effects and lighting is permitted, but must be controlled and coordinated with the performance. Sound and lighting equipment must be properly installed and operated, ensuring a safe and professional presentation. The UIL encourages the use of innovative and effective technical elements to enhance the overall performance.
Costume and Makeup⁚ Costumes and makeup must be appropriate for the characters and the play’s setting. While creative freedom is encouraged, costumes should be functional and safe for the performers. Makeup should be applied professionally and enhance the actors’ appearance without being excessive or distracting.

These performance requirements ensure a high standard of quality, safety, and professionalism throughout the contest, promoting a positive and enriching experience for both the performers and the audience.

Judging Criteria

The Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Contest is judged by a panel of experienced theatre professionals who are certified by the UIL. These adjudicators are chosen for their expertise in various aspects of theatre, including acting, directing, design, and technical production. The judging criteria are designed to assess the overall quality and effectiveness of each performance, considering both artistic merit and technical proficiency.

Acting⁚ Adjudicators evaluate the actors’ performances based on their ability to embody their characters, convey emotions authentically, and interact effectively with each other. They assess the actors’ vocal projection, diction, physicality, and stage presence, looking for a balance of naturalism and dramatic impact.
Directing⁚ The judges assess the director’s vision for the play, their ability to guide the actors, and the overall coherence of the production. They consider the pacing, blocking, and staging, looking for a clear and compelling interpretation of the script.
Design⁚ The adjudicators evaluate the effectiveness of the set, props, costumes, and lighting in creating a believable and immersive environment. They consider the design’s aesthetic appeal, functionality, and contribution to the overall storytelling.
Technical Production⁚ The judges assess the technical aspects of the performance, including sound design, lighting, and stage management. They look for smooth transitions, effective use of technical elements, and a professional level of execution.

The adjudicators score each performance based on these criteria, providing written feedback to the participating schools. This feedback offers valuable insights and suggestions for improvement, helping students and directors to develop their skills and enhance their future performances.

Texas State Middle School One-Act Play Rule Book