TTAO is proud to offer student scholarships and campus grants to promote theatre education.
Theatre Teachers:
We invite you to share our scholarship opportunities with your students and assist them in applying.
We also hope you will review the application guidelines for the C. Lee Turner Real Change Grant and either apply for funds or share the opportunity with a fellow teacher that may qualify.
TTAO Members:
We invite you to share and promote the scholarship and grant opportunities with those you know who may be able to benefit from the funds.
If you choose, you can also donate part of your judging revenue to the Real Change Campaign.
TTAO Members and Theatre Teachers- Together We Can Make a Difference!
The Texas Theatre Adjudicators & Officials (TTAO) awards up to two $1000 scholarships to deserving seniors planning to pursue Theatre Arts as their major at the college level (one for Performance and one for Technical Theatre.) Any graduating senior who has participated in the UIL One-Act Play Contest or in the UIL Theatrical Design Contest may apply.
Applications must be received by June 1 of each school year at the following email address: scholarships@ttao.org
A completed application must include:
Please scan all items into a single PDF file including the student’s full name and “TTAO Scholarship” in the file name (Ex. Full Name‐TTAO Scholarship).
Applications will be reviewed at the summer TTAO Board Meeting and winners will be notified in June.
2. Emphasize the ease of the application process and the timeline for application submission.
3. Share that the application and information about the scholarship can be found at https://www.ttao.org/awards-and-scholarships/
TTAO is humbly honored to share that the “2021 C. Lee Turner Real Change Award” has been voted to permanently be known as the “C.Lee Turner Real Change Award” in loving memory of such an influential theatre artist and teacher who truly embodied *real change*.
What is the Real Change Campaign?
Real Change is TTAO’s fundraising campaign to place needed dollars into our socio-economically disadvantaged schools and communities through grants.
Money raised will be used to fund experiential activities like:
We believe these activities change lives and help expand theatre in our communities, which affects our society as a whole.
As a member of TTAO, if you have not already done so, you may donate to this grant by going to https://www.ttao.org/real-change/
C. Lee Turner Real Change Grants can be used for any project which allows for the pursuit of experiential theatre education activities. These activities may include attending the TxETA Theatrefest or Summerfest Convention and memberships, the Texas Thespians Convention and memberships, Summer Drama Camp Tuition, Clinic Fees, Guest Artists.
PLEASE NOTE: A Google account is required to fill out the application form. Sign in and/or create a Google Account. You don’t need a Gmail account to create a Google Account. You can use your non-Gmail email address to create one instead. There are no costs involved.
Download a copy of the guidelines here
ELIGIBILITY
Schools which qualify and identify as Title 1 or Socioeconomic Disadvantaged.
GRANT AMOUNTS
Grant requests may be in any amount up to $5,000.
REVIEW PROCESS & SELECTION
Applications submitted electronically by the deadline are reviewed by the TTAO Awards and Scholarships Committee. All selected applications are submitted for final approval to the TTAO Board
APPLICATION DEADLINES
All applications are due by the end of the day on September 10th and must be received electronically. Grant Awardees will be announced at the TTAO Open Forum held at TxETA September’s Theatrefest. All grants are eligible to spend beginning October 1st of the granting year through December 31st of the following year. For example, the 2021 awardee would have from October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022 to utilize the funding. Returned/unused funds may be reallocated by TTAO as needed.
ADMINISTRATOR AND/OR SUPERVISOR APPROVAL
Where applicable, administrator and or supervisor approval may be required by the applying school’s policy. A letter may be uploaded into the application.
GRANTEE OBLIGATIONS
Thirty days after the completion of the grant activity or no later than January 31 following the Grant year expiration, the Grantee shall submit a report of approximately 300 words describing how they used the award within the previous year.
USE OF GRANT FUNDS
Grant recipients will submit invoices for their activity and TTAO shall pay vendors directly. Recipients should ensure they submit in a timely manner for prompt payment. Grant funds may only be used as specified on grant application no matter the ending cost of the project.
Share Information with teachers who are currently serving at Title I or economically challenged campuses about applying for the C. Lee Turner Real Change Award.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 C. Lee Turner Real Change Award. This opportunity affords a means for economically disadvantaged schools to fund and provide their students, staff, and/or community with experiential theatre activities such as TxETA and Thespian conventions, clinics and festivals, summer camps, guest artists and more.
Grant guidelines and the application is available on the TTAO.org website.
The application can also be accessed here.
Deadline for applications to be submitted to TTAO is September 10.
Grant awardees will be announced at the 2021 TxETA’s Theatrefest during TTAO’s Open Forum.
It is time to celebrate!
Passing of the gavel “virtually” happened at the June TTAO Board Meeting. Lots of smiles, thankful hearts, and celebration.
TTAO cannot thank Mark Pickell enough for all he has given to our organization. His tireless efforts over the years have made a lasting impact.
Carrie Klypchak will now start her term as Past-Chair before rotating off of the board. TTAO cannot thank Carrie enough for her leadership over the past two years, especially considering these unprecedented times.
Craig Hertel begins his role as Chair and Yvonne Phillips-Dupree begins her role as Chair-Elect.
Craig Hertel set new chair goals that were adopted by the Board at the summer board meeting.
Goals
1. To strengthen the ability of our membership to positively impact UIL’s One-Act Play contest.
2. To strengthen the organization’s outreach to the theatre community.
Check out the latest TTAO Board Meeting Minutes on our website.
As a member of TTAO it is important that you understand the purpose and procedures of the organization. Misconceptions about what the organization can do can be clarified by reviewing the Manual of Operations for TTAO.
The M.O.O., as it is referred to, is on the TTAO website and can be found here.
Here are 3 “P”s in the M.O.O. to get you started: Purpose, Payment Issues, Process For Recommending Area, Region, State Adjudicators
Be M.O.O. AWARE about our PURPOSE:
Article 2-Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to provide The UIL One Act Play contest with a group of experienced, active, and competent Theatre Adjudicators and Contest Managers. TTAO will certify and train new officials, and provide ongoing professional development for members. TTAO will actively collaborate with the State Theatre Director to review the role of the adjudicator and contest manager in the UIL One Act Play competition, and will make recommendations as warranted. This organization, for educational theatre professionals, will foster high standards of ethics, provide supplemental professional training for its members, encourage the development of theatre in the schools, and will work in cooperation with school administrators, theatre directors, student participants, and the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
Be M.O.O. AWARE about PAYMENT ISSUES:
Section 9 – Payment Issues Process
TTAO has created a step-by-step process for officials to deal with issues relating to non-payment.
1. If adjudicator is not paid after 30 days or not paid fully, contact the contest manager.
2. If after 7 days the contest manager does not resolve the issue or doesn’t respond the adjudicator should contact the District Executive Committee Chair or administrator responsible for payment.
The contact information for the administrator responsible for payment should be found on the agreement. (Day 37)
3. If after 7 days the District Executive Committee Chair or administrator responsible for payment does not resolve the issue or doesn’t respond then the adjudicator may file a grievance with TTAO. (Day 44)
4. If the grievance is found to have merit by the TTAO Chair then TTAO will send a letter to the District Executive Committee Chair or administrator responsible for payment (Day 51) asking for prompt payment.
5. If the District Executive Committee Chair or administrator responsible for payment does not resolve the issue or doesn’t respond then TTAO will send a letter to all superintendents of the district and ask for prompt payment. A warning will be given that all schools in the district will be flagged for payment issues within TTAO in the following year if payment is not rendered in full. Any future invitation from any school in the district will be accompanied by a note to the prospective adjudicators that their district failed to pay fully or on-time the previous year.
Be M.O.O. AWARE about PROCESS FOR RECOMMENDING AREA, REGION, STATE ADJUDICATORS:
Article 11 – Process For Recommending Area, Region, State Adjudicators
Section 1 – Area/Region/State Qualified Adjudicators Designation
Annually the Area/Region/State Selection Committee will review all adjudicators with 3 consecutive years service for addition to the approved Area/Region/State list.
A. The Communications Director will provide to the committee and Past-Chair a list of members with 3 consecutive years of service who are not currently listed as an Area/Region/State adjudicator.
B. A single committee member may nominate any qualified member from this list. The nomination is made and without objection that adjudicator will be recommended to the TTAO board to be added to the Area/Region/State list. If there is an objection by any committee member then the motion to recommend then fails.
C. Nominations should be based on an adjudicator’s judging and evaluation history and consideration should be given to geography and TTAO’s core values.
D. Members must be current and in good standing to be considered for the Area/Region/State recommendation.
E. Members recommended to the TTAO board for Area/Region/State designation will not be considered for the Region and State in the same year as they are recommended to the Area/Region/State adjudicator list.
Section 2 – Recommending Upper Level Adjudicators
Annually the Area/Region/State Selection Committee will review all adjudicator evaluations and produce a list of recommended adjudicators for upper level contests. This data will be given to UIL for the purpose of assisting in the placement of judges at upper level contests. The UIL State Theatre Director has final determination in placement of judges for all upper level UIL contests.
A. Committee Members who have not reviewed all evaluations shall not participate in the selection process.
B. The committee will elect a tabulation manager by a majority vote.
C. The Past-Chair in conjunction with the committee tabulation manager shall tabulate rankings from each committee member. This will ensure that there is a witness to affirm the tabulation.
D. Selection should be based on an adjudicator’s judging history, as well as their current evaluations and consideration should be given to geography and TTAO’s core values.
E. Members must be current and in good standing to be considered for upper level recomendation
F. Members should let the Past-Chair know immediately if they are unable to fulfill their duties.
G. TTAO recommends to UIL that adjudicators not be assigned to the state meet in consecutive years.
H. When the committee’s work is complete the Past-Chair of the committee will provide the following:
1. Recommendations for names to be added to Area/Region/State list to be delivered to the TTAO Board
2. List of recommended judges for upper level contests with voting data delivered to the UIL State Theatre Director
Section 3 – Balloting of Area/Region/State Adjudicators
1. After reviewing all adjudicator evaluations each committee member will select 75 adjudicators from the current list of Area/Region/State provided by the Communications Director. They will only select a name,they will not be asked to rank judges. Each name selected will be a single vote for the adjudicator.
2. Selection should be based on an adjudicator’s judging history, as well as their current evaluations and consideration should be given to geography and TTAO’s core values
3. The Past-Chair and tabulation manager will gather each ballot and start tabulation only after all eligible ballots are returned.
4. The Past-Chair and tabulation manager will tabulate how many votes each adjudicator received from the list of eligible adjudicators.
5. The Past-Chair and tabulation manager will rank this list of adjudicators from the highest vote total to the lowest vote total. Adjudicators who are tied in votes will be listed alphabetically by last name.
6. The Past-Chair and tabulation manager will then provide the list of ranked judges and the vote totals to the UIL State Theatre Director.
Can’t get into your TTAO Account?
Have questions about what TTAO and what the organization can do?
Need answers or to address an issue?
Have a solution or suggestion to share?
Need clarification?
Contact support@ttao.org for the fastest way to communicate with someone who can assist you. This web address helps the organization quickly route your communication to a person who can get problems alleviated and questions answered in a timely fashion.
Go to: connect.ttao.org/
The first step is renewing your membership includes:
You must be a TTAO member to have access to the TTAO Adjudicator and Contest Manager Facebook pages.
If you have trouble renewing, please email: Support@ttao.org
Now is the time to make plans to attend TTAO workshops and the business meeting at TxETA Theatrefest in Galveston.
Be on the lookout for TTAO workshops including:
You can reserve your room at Moody Gardens for your stay at TheatreFest 2021 now. The dates of the Convention are Wednesday, Sept. 29th, through Saturday, Oct. 2nd (the online reservation link will make rooms available for Tuesday, Sept. 28th, for those working the Convention and for Sunday, Oct. 3rd, for those that want to stay an extra day to see the Galveston sites).
The Convention will run until Saturday at around 3pm.
Moody has a TxETA reduced room rate of $162 plus tax.
Here is the link to make reservations: https://www.reseze.net/servlet/SendPage?hotelid=1722&skipfirstpage=true&page=1087
TTAO is humbly honored to share that the “2021 C. Lee Turner Real Change Award” has been voted to permanently be known as the “C.Lee Turner Real Change Award” in loving memory of such an influential theatre artist and teacher who truly embodied *real change*.
As a member of TTAO, if you have not already done so, you may donate to this award by going to https://www.ttao.org/real-change/
What is the Real Change Campaign?
Real Change is TTAO’s fundraising campaign to place needed dollars into our socio-economically disadvantaged schools and communities.
Money raised will be used to fund:
· TxETA convention attendance
· Summer Drama camp tuitions
· Clinics
· Guest artists
We believe these activities change lives and help expand theatre in our communities, which affects our society as a whole.
Did you know that TTAO is on Facebook? Join us one of our groups for the latest updates and tips related to One Act Play!
If you are an adjudicator, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/681476041915336/
If you are a contest manager, join us at the new site here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/561273894440216/?ref=share
Texas Theatre Adjudicators and Officials, or TTAO, is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit formed in 2014.
Originally founded as a standing committee of the Texas Educational Theatre Association, TTAO was previously known as Adjudicator Organization (TETAAO).
The current organization is a group of theatre professionals dedicated to supporting educational theatre by training, developing and recruiting qualified adjudicators and contest managers to serve as officials for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) One Act Play contest as well as other theatrical competitions in the state of Texas.
We provide adjudicator and contest manager training through training events across the state and in workshops at TxETA Theatrefest.
In addition, TTAO works in partnership with the UIL State Theatre Director to review policies and procedures regarding the One Act Play contest and to recommend revisions as needed.
We do not have the authority to change UIL policies and procedures, only review and make recommendations. We do not decide who the judges of UIL One Act Play contests will be but do make recommendations to the League for upper level contest judging assignments based on feedback from evaluations and membership standing.
We appreciate the support of the University Interscholastic League as well as the leadership of the Texas Educational Theatre Association.
The functions of both the TTAO Board of Directors and Standards and Practices Committee are as follows:
Function of the Board of Directors
Function of the Standards and Practices Committee
Past Chairs of TTAO are:
Dr. Jerry Ivins
Travis Springfield
Perry Crafton
Mark Pickell
Carrie Klypchak
TTAO CORE VALUES
Education
Our priority is theatre education for students and their teachers. Our policies serve to improve theatre training within the UIL contest framework.
Diversity
We celebrate differences and include all the varied voices that represent students and the communities we serve.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. We expect and practice personal and professional integrity.
Transparency
We commit to open communication and access to information, including governing documents. This instills trust and ensures accountability.
Service
We serve our learning community by bringing our knowledge, experience, and leadership to students and teachers through professional training that instills confidence and provides growth.
Board of Directors
The TTAO Board of Directors is made up of 10 Members with the following roles: Chair, Chair Elect – Adjudicator Training, Past Chair – Awards, Communications Director, Treasurer, Treasurer Elect/Historian, Communications Director-Elect, and 3 Director at Large Positions.
Function of the Board of Directors
To find out more about our current Board of Directors visit: https://www.ttao.org/board-of-directors/
Standards and Practices Committee
The Standards and Practices Committee is a standing committee of TTAO with a membership made up of contest managers and adjudicators from different regions of the state. The committee is made up of 12 total members, 4 adjudicators, 4 contest managers, and 4 at-large positions and is chaired by the chair-elect of TTAO.
Function of the Standards and Practices Committee
To Find out more about our current Standards & Practices Committee visit: https://www.ttao.org/standards-practices-committee/
To the 2021 State OAP Contest Managers and Adjudicators:
1A – CM
Aimee Ingham Kasprzyk
Judges
Alison Frost
Jerry Cotton
Yvonne Phillips-Dupree
2A – CM
Mike Doggett
Judges
Deb Shaw
Mariana Jones Meaders
Freddie Buckner
3A – CM
Larry Carpenter
Judges
Scott Allen
Margaret Valenta Davis
Terri Castleberry
4A – CM
Carla Schumann
Judges
Phillip Morgan
Kim Kao Hines
Travis Springfield
5A – CM
Amy Jordan
Judges
Cathy Huvar
Gary Davis
Lisa Hale
6A – CM
Jerry Ivins
Judges
Michael Kim Frederick
Kelsey Altom Kling
Kathy L Harvey
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible judges MAY NOT be involved in the direction of an official UIL One-Act play entry during the academic year in which they serve as a judge. This applies at ANY level (high school or middle school). All potential judges must submit an application to be approved for participation. Potential judges should possess the following:
Undergraduate degree in theatre* AND at least one of the following:
*Potential adjudicators who do not possess a degree in theatre but who have VERY significant educational theatre experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I miss part of the workshop and still certify?
A: No. You must attend all parts of the certification workshop to certify. No exceptions.
Q: Who is eligible to certify?
A: Anyone who is not directing or contributing to an official UIL OAP at the high school or middle school level and has a theatre background (as described above) may apply to certify.
Q: If I have questions whom do I contact?
A: Craig Hertel: craighertel@gmail.com
Register Here: https://bit.ly/3gzzyw0
Please spread the word. Deadline for applications is June 1st.
Visit TTAO Awards & Scholarships page for more information and to download the application: https://www.ttao.org/awards-and-scholarships/
We all know evaluation forms are important. Which is why adjudicators also have the opportunity to evaluate each contest. Find your specific form here.
Did you know that TTAO is on Facebook? Join us one of our groups for the latest updates and tips related to One Act Play!
If you are an adjudicator, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/681476041915336/
If you are a contest manager, join us at the new site here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/561273894440216/?ref=share
Contact support@ttao.org for the fastest way to get problems alleviated.
To view the newsletter in its original form use this link: https://www.smore.com/a0f1q
Please know that TTAO is sending you all care and positive energies as you are coming out of dealing with the storm. It’s been so hard for so many, and we hope that this newsletter communication finds you safe, warm, and being able to start turning the corner on all of this in your neck of the woods. We know many of you are recovering from damage to your homes and we send our very best to you and yours.
About the awards:
The TTAO Service Award shall be bestowed on a member or members in recognition for outstanding service to the organization beyond the duties of a particular office, role or assignment. The TTAO Service Award will honor a member of TTAO or continuous and significant service to the TTAO organization.
The TTAO Legacy Award shall be bestowed upon a member or members in recognition for substantial history of contributions and advocacy for educational theatre in Texas and particular support and development of the UIL One-Act Play competition. Recipients may not be current Board or Standard & Practices Committee members. Recipients should be retired Adjudicators and Contest Managers.
Special Recognitions may be recommended by the Board or Standards and Practice members for individuals completing terms in office, donation of time or services to TTAO, completion of specific tasks or other achievements. Recipients may be current Board or Standards & Practice Committee members.
TTAO is humbly honored to share that we are naming our 2021 Real Change Award the “2021 C. Lee Turner Real Change Award” in loving memory of such an influential theatre artist and teacher who truly embodied *real change*. As a member of TTAO, if you have not already done so, you may donate to this award by going to https://www.ttao.org/real-change/
What is the Real Change Campaign?
Real Change is TTAO’s fundraising campaign to place needed dollars into our socio-economically disadvantaged schools and communities.
Money raised will be used to fund:
We believe these activities change lives and helps expand theatre in our communities which affects our society as a whole.
In celebration of Black History Month, Sharron Jenkins graciously shared with TTAO members amazing Black playwrights who you should know about and read. Thank you, Sharron!
Click here for the list of playwrights.
I know the best place to send any TTAO related question regarding any aspect of the contest or TTAO Connect is support@ttao.org.
I understand that according to UIL rules I must critique the shows assigned by a blind draw overseen by the Contest Manager. I know that each Adjudicator should draw at least 1 advancing and 1 non-advancing show (at region the alternate school is treated as an advancing school in this instance). I also understand that if there is an uneven amount of shows at a contest that the Acting Awards Judge critiques fewer shows than the other Adjudicators. I know I that may not exchange or swap critiques with other adjudicators on a panel.
I understand that it is my responsibility to make sure that the clinic conflict form is complete and turned into the UIL state office. I understand that it is an ethics violation if I fail to turn in a clinic conflict sheet for any clinic in which I take part.
I will not participate in another adjudicator’s oral critique.
I understand that I am to only orally critique the shows that I drew. I will use the written critique to communicate anything to the other companies I do not speak to.
I will not use other adjudicators’ written evaluations as the basis or part of my oral critique. I understand that I am to deliver my own thoughts and ideas to the company and not read my colleagues’ work to companies during this time.
I understand that it is my responsibility to report to the Contest Manager immediately if I believe a member of the panel I am serving on is not of sound mind to carry out their duties as an Adjudicator. I further understand that if I wait to report an incident after the contest is over, that it may be too late for appropriate action to take place.
I understand that I may NOT be listed as a director on any official OAP entry (High School or Middle School) this coming school year in order to be eligible to judge.
I understand that there is NO LONGER a Best Actor or Best Actress Award at any UIL contest. These awards have been replaced with two Best Performer Awards that can be awarded to any gender combination of two actors.
I understand that UIL continues to limit the company size (actors and technicians) to 20 total; however, schools may now use any combination of actors and technicians to reach the total of 20. For example a show could have 18 actors and 2 technicians or a school could have 5 actors and 15 technicians. Students listed as technicians cannot appear onstage in a role (Townsperson, etc.); however students listed as actors may assist in running tech offstage.
I understand that TTAO has a defined process for an Adjudicator to follow regarding payment issues after a contest that can be found in the Manual of Operations at www.ttao.org.
I understand that TTAO has a thorough and defined Conflict of Interest Policy for Adjudicators, which can be found at www.ttao.org. I further agree to familiarize myself with and adhere to that Conflict of Interest Policy.
I understand that the UIL State Theatre Director chooses and assigns all upper level judges (Area, Region, and State adjudicators) each year.
I understand that Adjudicators shall accept only 6 official UIL contests unless the State Theatre Director approves additional contests for emergency/just cause. A district’s zone contests are considered 1 official contest (Note: This does not restrict the number of workshops, clinics, or festivals in which the adjudicator participates, AND does NOT include junior high/middle school contests, non-UIL contests, or the UIL State Contest.) I know that it is my responsibility to assure that I do not exceed the six contest limit as outlined above in a given season.
I understand that TTAO’s official Core Values are as follows: EDUCATION – Our priority is theatre education for students and their teachers. Our policies serve to improve theatre training within the UIL contest framework. DIVERSITY – We celebrate differences and include all the varied voices that represent students and the communities we serve. INTEGRITY – We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. We expect and practice personal and professional integrity. TRANSPARENCY – We commit to open communication and access to information, including governing documents. This instills trust and insures accountability. SERVICE – We serve our learning community by bringing our knowledge, experience, and leadership to students and teachers through professional training that instills confidence and provides growth.
I will not speak about any contest show to other adjudicators on a panel until all judge rankings have officially been submitted to the Contest Manager.
I understand that an ensemble All Star Cast or Honorable Mention All Star Cast award is reserved only for a group of actors who cannot be identified as individuals.
I understand that a Contest Manager will send me a new Region contractual agreement for the coming year, if applicable — even if the UIL State Theatre Director assigns me to judge the same contest in 2021 that was not able to be realized due to COVID-19 cancellations in 2020.
The Texas Theatre Adjudicators and Officials Organization supports and promotes the diversity of plays, directors, and students in today’s UIL One Act Play competition. As advocates for all forms of educational theatre in the state of Texas, Contests Managers and Adjudicators shall not knowingly make discriminatory statements or decisions, ensuring that personal bias is removed and that each performance evaluation is aligned with the official UIL rubric.
We all know evaluation forms are important. Which is why adjudicators also have the opportunity to evaluate each contest. Find your specific form here.
Did you know that TTAO is on Facebook? Join us one of our groups for the latest updates and tips related to One Act Play!
If you are an adjudicator, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/681476041915336/
If you are a contest manager, join us at the new site here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/561273894440216/?ref=share
Contact support@ttao.org for the fastest way to get problems alleviated.