State Week for UIL One Act Play is upon us! While we’ve already covered best practices for packing your travel truck, I wanted to highlight the other amazing competition occurring this week - UIL Theatrical Design.
For our out-of-state readers or those who don’t know about this event - UIL Theatrical Design is a University Interscholastic Leauge (UIL) sanctioned competition where students design and create set, costume, make-up, and marketing designs based on a specific play that the state office chose. The play choice and themes change each year. This year, the play is Frankenstein. After the initial round, students who qualify for state travel to the state competition and have their work displayed in the lobby during the UIL One Act Play contest.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have students advance to the state level, and I wanted to share some of my tips for this round of the competition.
Have a Travel Kit
Since designs are shipped to the state office for mounting, you may get there and see there was some damage during shipping. You should always have a small travel kit for this event so you can do touch-ups in needed. What should that include?
Glue Gun and Glue Sticks (bonus point for a battery-operated glue gun. Available outlets are at a premium!)
Spray Adhesive
Scissors
Exacto Knife and Small Cutting Board
E-6000
Black Sharpie or Black Acrylic paint
Art Supplies, specifically in the medium of your student’s designs
Paintbrush(es)
Extra foam board cut to specific sizes
Card Stock (black, white, and designs themed colors)
Thumb Drive with designs in case something needs to be reprinted
Extra Blank Entry Form
A rolling tackle box or toolbox is a great way to store all of this and makes for easy travel.
Presentation Prep
Part of the State process is a 90-second introduction to the student’s designs. They are allowed to use a notecard for reference for this introduction, and if you have a nervous speaker, I highly recommend they take advantage of the notecard so they can cover their key points. Don’t leave this to the last minute! Make sure they have something written and prepared so they can practice. Though students are not judged on their delivery, practicing their speech and key points is a great way to ensure the content of their speech covers everything they want to say about their designs.
Professionalism is Key
Encourage your students to dress for success. Dress blacks are always a great option, but they could also wear something business professional. Another component of professionalism is being gracious and patient with their peers and contest staff. Did you know that the state contest is almost entirely volunteer staff? Remind your students that they are not in their home space, and should always be prompt in cleaning their work areas!
Have Fun
It is such an accomplishment to advance to the state level in UIL Theatrical Design! Cherish these moments and take time to see the amazing plays in the afternoon/evening!
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