The Texas Theatre Adjudicators and Officials (TTAO) is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization established in 2014. Its inception marked the evolution from a standing committee within the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TETA), previously known as the Adjudicator Organization (TETAAO), to an independent entity dedicated to enhancing educational theatre in Texas.
TTAO's primary mission is to support educational theatre by training, developing, and recruiting qualified adjudicators and contest managers. These professionals serve as officials for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) One-Act Play (OAP) contests and other theatrical competitions across Texas. The organization collaborates closely with the UIL State Theatre Director to review and recommend revisions to policies and procedures governing the OAP contests.
TTAO focuses on four fundamental areas:
Training: Providing comprehensive training programs for adjudicators and contest managers to ensure consistency and excellence in evaluations.
Certification and Maintenance: Maintaining an up-to-date list of certified adjudicators and contest managers, ensuring they meet the organization's standards.
Evaluation and Recommendations: Reviewing performance evaluations to make informed recommendations for Area, Region, and State panels.
Policy Development: Collaborating with UIL to suggest improvements and updates to contest procedures and guidelines.
The governance of TTAO is entrusted to a Board of Directors comprising ten members, including roles such as President, Chair Elect – Adjudicator Training, Past Chair – Awards, Communications Director, Treasurer, Treasurer Elect/Historian, Communications Director-Elect, and three Directors at Large. This board is responsible for overseeing evaluations, nominating adjudicators for UIL panels, managing financial expenditures, and conducting the general business of the organization.
Standards and Practices Committee
The Standards and Practices Committee plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the organization. This committee ensures that all adjudicators and contest managers operate within the framework of TTAO’s policies and the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. It reviews grievances, investigates ethical concerns, and supports consistent application of guidelines across the state.
Core Values Committee
The Core Values Committee was created to reflect and reinforce the foundational principles that guide TTAO's work. This committee focuses on articulating and upholding the organization’s commitments to inclusivity, equity, transparency, and educational integrity. It plays a proactive role in evaluating TTAO’s practices through the lens of its values, recommending initiatives and policy adjustments that promote fairness, access, and excellence within the adjudication process. The committee also supports ongoing dialogue among members about the cultural and ethical responsibilities of theatre education and assessment.
TTAO upholds a stringent Code of Ethics and Professional Standards to ensure integrity and fairness in all its operations. Adjudicators and contest managers are expected to adhere to these guidelines, which encompass maintaining impartiality, honoring contracts, avoiding conflicts of interest, and promoting transparency in evaluations.
While TTAO operates independently, it maintains a collaborative relationship with TETA, continuing to conduct annual membership meetings at the TETA Convention.We also engage with Texas Thespians supporting assessment at their events and holding board meetings at their Educator Conference.These ongoing partnerships underscores a shared commitment to enriching the educational value of theatre in Texas.
Past Leadership
In 1989, the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TETA) established the Adjudicator’s Organization. This was an Ad Hoc Committee known as TETAAO.
Chairpersons for TETAAO
1989-1990 Dr. George Sorensen
1990-1992 Jim Rambo
1992-1994 Lou-Ida Marsh
1994-1996 Dr. Marion Castleberry
1996-1998 E. Don Williams
1999-2000 Kathy Barber
2000-2002 Charlie Hukill
2002-2004 Dr. Adonia Placette
2004-2006 Cathy Huvar
2006-2008 Paula Rodriguez
2008-2010 Perry Crafton
2012-2014 Travis Springfield
In 2014 Texas Theatre Adjudicators and Officials (TTAO) is founded as an independent organization.
2014-2015 Travis Springfield, Chair
2015-2017 Dr. Jerry Ivins, Chair
2017-2019 Mark Pickell, Chair
2019-2021 Dr. Carrie Klypchak, Chair
2021-2023 Craig Hertel, President
2023-2025 Yvonne Phillips-Dupree, President