Academics News
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Play Still Available
By Luis Muñoz, Theatre Diretor | Tuesday, December 14, 2010 3:15 PM
The information we received regarding Moon Over Buffalo was in error.
“Mr. Ludwig’s agent did deny one request for a cutting for UIL last week for MOON OVER BUFFALO, but then he realized that it was for a competition performance and retracted his denial. “
Per Dramatic Publishing Company, Playing for Time by Arthur Miller is no longer available.
New Year Brings Opportunity for Reflection
By Treva Dayton, Academic Director | Tuesday, December 14, 2010 3:00 PM
As we prepare for the coming holidays and the beginning of a new year, life becomes even more hectic than usual with countless obligations, looming deadlines and limited time of accomplish all that’s on our ‘to do lists.’ But here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season, with time for family and friends and some much needed relaxation.
And when you are back in the classroom in January, here’s wishing you the very best in the upcoming UIL academic season. We’ll hit the ground running with CX debate district competition and Invitational A meets starting in early January, followed more quickly than you’d think possible by all the other academic spring meet events.
Recruiting, selecting and preparing UIL academic competitors will take time, energy and creative thinking on the part of academic coaches, on top of your regular classroom obligations. But as you work your way through finding the best resources, holding practices, scheduling study sessions, attending invitational meets and finally selecting district entries, maybe keeping in mind the core value of academic competition will give you a lift when you need it most.
Anchorage Press Is Moving
By | Monday, December 06, 2010 9:54 AM
Anchorage Press Plays will become a part of Dramatic Publishing in 2011. During late December 2010, sales and operations of Anchorage Press Plays will be moved to Woodstock, IL, the home office of Dramatic Publishing.
Moving Forward in Speech: Council Approves Computers for Extemp
By Jana Riggins, Speech Director | Tuesday, October 26, 2010 12:10 PM
The Legislative Council passed a staff proposal to allow speakers to use computers in the extemporaneous speaking preparation room under guidelines established by UIL. If the Commissioner of Education approves the amendment to the C&CR, the rule change will go into effect next school year.
Careful study of this issue has been ongoing. As soon as it became evident that computers in debate could be smoothly implemented statewide and most importantly, without negative results, I felt computers in extemp would be inevitable, but I was cautious. Maintaining the educational value of our contests and the particular skills they develop is of utmost importance, and I knew there were additional issues inherent in the extemporaneous speaking contest that would have to be considered.
Initially, I dialogued with college coaches in Texas and nationally, since collegiate forensic organizations already allow extemp speakers to use computers. As the National Catholic Forensic League took the bold step to include computers at their national high school tournament, I contacted the president of NCFL to discuss their rules and in the aftermath of their inaugural tournament, to examine any problems with implementation. The Catholic League officials were very positive about the change.
Tips for Current Issues & Events Contest
By Tom Ray, CI&E State Director | Tuesday, October 26, 2010 11:59 AM
As you begin to plan for the Current Issues & Events invitational season and district meet, I would like to share some thoughts with you.
First, let me congratulate you for participating in this event. I know how valuable academic competition has been in my life. My UIL experience began in 1984 competing in team debate and extemporaneous speaking. I was a typical debater— totally consumed by debate.
One day, my coach told me that I was going to compete in extemporaneous speaking, or “extemp” in speech jargon. She told me that I was going to give a speech over a random current event and that I would have 30 minutes to learn about the topic and write and memorize the speech. I thought the woman was a complete nut job!
OAP Enrollment Hits Record Mark
By Luis Munoz, Theatre Director | Tuesday, October 26, 2010 11:55 AM
Enrollment in the 2010-11 One-Act Play Contest has reached an all-time record enrollment of 1223. In 2007 we had 1205 schools. I want to thank all of the schools who enrolled and verified their entries in a timely manner.
The UIL Legislative Council passed two amendments to the Constitution and Contest Rules on Monday, Oct.18. Both of these changes will take effect August of 2011.
Blogging Renewed my Passion for Writing
By Jeanne Acton, Journalism Director | Thursday, October 14, 2010 11:05 AM
I started a blog.
There, I said it.
It’s not that I am ashamed, but it feels weird telling people about it.
It’s self-indulgent and probably needs some editing, but it’s been a pretty great experience so far.
At this point, you are probably wondering why I am making this confession.
I didn’t have to tell a soul.
I am sharing my little secret because writing the blog has relit my passion for writing.
2010 All-State Journalism Staff Named
By | Monday, September 13, 2010 8:34 AM
Fifty-two students have been named to the 2010 All-State Journalism Staff. To qualify for the staff, students must have earned 50 points by participating and winning different journalism contests throughout the year. Students can earn points by participating in UIL invitational contests, UIL district, regional and state contests, as well as ILPC and similar type journalism contests.
After Busy Summer, Changes are on the Horizon for OAP
By Luis Munoz | Monday, August 30, 2010 2:33 PM
I pray that all of you have had a wondrous and enlivening summer break. Some of you stayed home, some traveled, some directed and some acted. It was so good to keep up with you and yours through your phone calls, emails and the ever-enlightening Facebook posts. What a barrage of messages, babies, new profile pics, old profile pics, Farmville, gifts, pokes, surveys, quotes and pictures. From Mark Twain to Mark Pickell, they have all been interesting.
I had the pleasure of working with the Texas Thespians All-State Cast and directing another group of high school students at the Texas Tech Theatre Camp. I also had the opportunity to attend the International Thespian Society’s Festival at The University of Nebraska at Lincoln and be around 3000 students from across the nation and a few other countries. I congratulate Clint Cottom, Bryce Ballew, Toby Drake and the cast of Piece of My Heart from Tomball High School on an outstanding production. It was moving, beautifully staged and well-acted. I also congratulate Marilyn Miller, her colleagues and the Cypress-Creek company on their production of Pippin. I enjoyed the “private concert” at your rehearsal. I wish I had been able to stay and see their production but I had to return to Texas for the TETAAO summer meeting. Denison High School wowed the crowds with ZFX Flying Effects show. Round Rock High School also represented us with a production of This, Uh, Body. All of you made Texas proud. I was inspired, and the importance of our work with the youth of our state was reaffirmed.
All in the Family: Gearing Up for the New Year
By Jana Riggins | Friday, August 27, 2010 1:18 PM
Even in the triple digit dog days of summer that linger over Austin, I feel a sense of excitement about school bells ringing again! There’s nothing like the opening week of school when colleagues renew relationships with other faculty members, students arrive to newly-painted walls, waxed floors and colorful bulletin boards alive with news of what is to come. Everyone feels the synergy!
It is especially exciting to me this year because my son Matthew takes the reigns of his very own classroom. Helping him move in and set up his room took me back down memory lane of when my husband Johnny and I started our teaching careers. Ironically, Matt will begin his career just a few miles from where his dad did, oh so many years ago. With a personality that parallels that of his father, somehow I know he will touch as many lives in an undeniable way just as Dad did. And that makes me proud. What a noble profession teaching is! Who changes the world more?
He’s not the only Riggins joining the teaching ranks. His brother Josh begins his student teaching at Anderson High School in Austin this fall, along with coaching athletics. The first day of summer strength camp when he bounced into my office to say, “They called me “Coach, Mom!”, I fought back tears as I asked, “How did that feel?” and his voice enthusiastically resounded, “G-R-E-A-T!”