Student Activities Conference - UT Austin Program

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS: Dr. David Stevens, UIL Director of Academics

 9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 100. Coordinators and Coaches Update. Room UTC 1.104
  This is an overview of how the academic coordinator can ensure a successful UIL academic program. We will cover dates, forms and changes for the year. Dr. David Stevens, UIL Director of Academics.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 101. Survival Tips for the Academic Coordinator and Coach. Room UTC 1.104
  A few ideas on balancing coordinator, coaching and teaching duties to provide a great experience for your UIL academic program. Melanie Menefee, Buffalo HS.

11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 102. Tips for Hosting the District or an Invitational Meet. Room UTC 1.104
  If you have been tapped to host your district or you are interested in hosting an invitational meet as a fundraiser or to give your students extra practice, this session will provide you with tips and tools for success. Michael Donaldson, Connally ISD.

 12:40 p.m.- 1:10 p.m.

• Session 103. I’m the New Academic Coordinator. Room UTC 1.104
  For beginning academic coordinators and coaches. We will cover the basics of getting started and the resources available. Dr. David Stevens, UIL Director of Academics.

A+ ACADEMICS: Lisa Parker, UIL Director of A+ and Essay Competition

  9:00 a.m.- 9:45 a.m.

• Session 104. UIL A+ Academics: Pathway to Excellence. Room UTC 3.122
  Discover the fundamentals of UIL A+ Academics, the UIL Academic program available to elementary and middle school campuses. This session will explore the structure, events, and benefits of participation, oBering practical tips for coaches and coordinators who are new to the program. Whether you're building a team or just curious, come learn how UIL A+ can positively impact your campus!

ACCOUNTING: Kay Whitton, State Contest Director

  9:00 a.m.- 9:45 a.m.

• Session 105. Accounting Basics of Success. Room UTC 1.116
  While medals and plaques may be the ultimate goal, there are many levels of success. Come get ideas about how to start a successful accounting program and build that program over time, not overnight!

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 106. Accounting Cycle: Contest to College Major to Career. Room UTC 1.116
  The Accounting contest offers rewards that can lead to success far beyond a state medal. Come learn how you can find lifelong fulfillment starting with a simple accounting cycle.

 10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 107. Accounting Rocks! Room UTC 1.116
  An organized game plan to help students (and coaches) learn UIL accounting, using the revised accounting concepts list and resources from the accountingworks.net.website. 

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 108. Mastering the Accounting Regional Test. Room UTC 1.116
  Tips on advancing to the Regional meet, then understanding the four main concepts that must be learned to advance to State.

CURRENT ISSUES & EVENTS: Andy Bates, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 pm

• Session 109. Current Issues & Events Introduction & Discussion. Room UTC 3.102
  The Current Issues and Events contest is designed to help students stay informed about more than what is on Twitter, including issues at the local, state, national and international levels. Over time, students become more informed members of society and more culturally aware. Over time, the contest evolves. Discuss this evolution.

ESSAY CONTEST: Lisa Parker, UIL Director of A+ and Essay Competition

 12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m

• Session 110. UIL Essay Contest: One Essay, Major Impact. Room UTC 3.122
  Explore the core elements of the UIL Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Contest, which invites students to examine the impact of people, organizations, and movements on Texas history. This session will cover guidelines of the contest and strategies for students in their research and writing. Perfect for students and sponsors new to the contest or anyone interested in the event.

JOURNALISM: Alyssa Boehringer, UIL Director of Journalism

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 111. It's All in Your Head. Room UTC 2.102A
  A good headline tells the reader what the story is about and makes them want to read it, too. In this session, we’ll show you how it’s done. Kari Reimer, Pflugerville Henderickson.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 112. Good News. Room UTC 2.102A
  Lead with the future event. Then what? We'll talk about what makes an award-winning news story and see how you can become a successful reporter for the "The Leaguetown Press." Alyssa Boehringer, UIL Director of Journalism.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 113. Feature Comforts. Room UTC 2.102A
  A powerful lead is everything. We’ll look at how the best feature leads draw the reader into a story and draw the writer into a successful feature writing contest. Alyssa Boehringer, UIL Director of Journalism.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 114. Take a Stand. Room UTC 2.102A
  The Highly Capable and Hardworking Human is in the house as we study the editorial writing contest. Get ready to make your voice heard. Alyssa Boehringer, UIL Director of Journalism.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session 115. Copy Editing 101. Room UTC 2.102A
  Copy editing means more than spelling and punctuation. It’s a skill that prepares students for college and the workforce. Learn different levels of editing from checking grammar and style to assessing the legal and ethical implications of mass media. Kelly Delgado, Canyon Randall.

LITERARY CRITICISM: Mark Bernier, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 116. A Foundational Introduction to the Literary Criticism Contest. Room UTC 3.124
  (Double Session Part I) We will engage in an interactive overview of the four parts of each test. Bring your questions.

 9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 117. A Foundational Introduction to the Literary Criticism Contest. Room UTC 3.124
  (Double Session Part II) We will engage in an interactive overview of the four parts of each test. Bring your questions.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 118. Explicating Poetry for the Literary Criticism Contest. Room UTC 3.124
  (Double Session Part I) We will focus on preparing for Part 2 and Part 3 of the test.

 11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 119. Explicating Poetry for the Literary Criticism Contest. Room UTC 3.124
  (Double Session Part II) We will focus on preparing for Part 2 and Part 3 of the test.

 12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session 120. The 2026 Reading List and The Handbook to Literature. Room UTC 3.124
  Discussion of how to use the Handbook in preparation for the test will follow a general overview of the selected reading for this year's Part 2.

READY WRITING: Ruben Rodriguez, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 121. Ready Writing: An Overview of the Contest! Room UTC 1.102
  Double Session Part I. A review of UIL rules, the Ready Writing rubric and contest fundamentals and writing strategies. Designed for first-year competitors and beginning coaches.

 9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 122. Ready Writing: An Overview of the Contest (for New Contestants). Room UTC 1.102
  Double Session Part II. A review of UIL rules, and the Ready Writing rubric and contest fundamentals and writing strategies. Designed for first-year competitors and beginning coaches. 

11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 123. An Introduction and Review of the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide for Contestants and Coaches. Room UTC 1.102
  Double Session Part I. An overview of changes in the new rubric used for grading.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session. 124. An Introduction and Review of the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide for Contestants and Coaches. Room UTC 1.102
  Double Session Part II. An overview of changes in the new rubric used for grading.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Andy Bates, State Contest Director

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 126. Introduction to the Social Studies Contest. Room UTC 3.102
  Double Session Part II. Discuss the basics of how to approach the UIL Social Studies Contest.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 127. Social Studies: Advanced. Room UTC 3.102
  Double Session Part I. Review rules, contest format, information related to this year's topic, what type of questions to expect and resources that will prove useful.

  12:50 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session 128. Social Studies: Advanced. Room UTC 3.102
  Double Session Part II. Review rules, contest format, information related to this year’s topic, what type of questions to expect and resources that will prove useful

SPELLING & VOCABULARY: Lisa Parker, UIL Director of A+ and Essay Competition

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 129. Becoming Legitimate Logophilic Laureates. Room UTC 3.122
  Strategies for upping your spelling game.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 130. Strategies for Upping Your Spelling Game. Room UTC 3.122
  Applying spelling strategies and taking a practice test.

CALCULATOR APPLICATIONS: Dave Bourell, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 200. Beginning-Introduction to the Contest. Room UTC 3.112
  Review format, scoring and types of problems.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 201. Intermediate-State of the 2026 Contest and Units Workshop.Room UTC 3.112
   

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session. Intermediate – Acceleration and Trajectory Stated Problems. Room UTC 3.112

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 203. Advanced - Taking and Scoring a Full Contest. Room UTC 3.112

COMPUTER SCIENCE: Dr. Shyamal Mitra, State Contest Advisor 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 204. Computational Thinking. Room UTC 3.104
  The foundation of Computer Science is computational thinking. It is a powerful approach to problem-solving with or without computers. Ours will be a gentle introduction to computational thinking using puzzles.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 205. Syntax of Java. Room UTC 3.104
  We will cover the basic syntax of Java, including object-oriented programming concepts that allow you to write powerful programs. We will discuss strategies for mastering the written test.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 206. Basic Algorithms. Room UTC 3.104
  Algorithms are step-by-step solutions to computational problems. Most algorithms are composed of some critical components. We’ll cover basic algorithms and classes of algorithms, including recursion and data structures, which are helpful in the programming contest.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 207. Computing Resources. Room UTC 3.104
  We will survey the resources that are available for self-study or used in a school curriculum to produce world-class programmers.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session 208. UIL CS Contest Rules. Room UTC 3.104
  For first-time contestants and coaches. We will review the contest's structure and the basic rules for the written and the programming parts. We will share some tips on how to do well in both.
   

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 209. Mathematics. Room GSB 2.124
  Overview of the UIL Mathematics contest: guidelines, rules, resources, practice materials, Q&A. Cliff McCurdy, State Contest Director.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 210. SAC 2025 Mathematics Test. Room GSB 2.126
  Take/grade the new 40-minute 60-question SAC 2025 Mathematics test followed by Q & A to discuss/answer questioons from the test. Cliff McCurdy, State Contest Director.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 211. Number Sense. Room GSB 2.126
  Overview of the UIL Number Sense contest: guidelines, rules, resources, practice materials. Larry White, State Contest Director.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 212. SAC 2025 Number Sense Test. Room GSB 2.126
  Take/grade the new 10-minute 80-question SAC 2025 Number Sense test followed by Q & A to discuss/answer questions from the test. Larry White, State Contest Director.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session 213. Number Sense and Mathematics Joint Session. Room GSB 2.126
  Work, discuss and answer questions from the tests. Cliff McCurdy and Larry White, state contest directors

ROBOTICS: David Trussell, UIL Director of STEM

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 214. Introduction to UIL Robotics. Room UTC 1.132
  Double Session Part I. An overview of program structure, options, and guidelines for participation, recommended resources and more. 

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 215. Introduction to UIL Robotics. Room UTC 1.132
  Work, discuss and answer questions from the tests. Cliff McCurdy and Larry White, state contest directors

SCIENCE: Dr. David Bixler, Dr. Brian Anderson and Meghan Pavlicek, State Contest Directors 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 216. The Big Picture. Room UTC 3.132  An overview of the Science contest, how to prepare your students and what to expect from the test writers. Dr. David Bixler, Dr. Brian Anderson, and Meghan Pavlicek, state contest directors.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 219. Meet the New Biology Contest Director. Room UTC 3.132   Meet the new director and hear about her approach to writing questions, with a brief look ahead to the 2026 season. Meghan Pavlicek, state contest director.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am

• Session 220. Chemistry Deep Dive. Room UTC 3.132   A discussion of the process used by the Chemistry director when he writes questions for the UIL exams and suggestions for preparing for the chemistry portion of the exam. Dr. Brian Anderson, state contest director.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 217. Phemistry Deep Dive. Room UTC 3.132 Deconstructing the Science test, with insights into how Physics section is developed.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session. Coaches' Roundtable. Room UTC 3.132 A discussion among UIL Science Coaches and Science Directors about topics such as recruiting, motivating, and preparing students for the UIL Science competition. New coaches as well as veteran coaches are invited to attend. Dr. David Bixler, Dr. Brian Anderson, and Dr. Meghan Pavlicek, state contest directors.

ORAL INTERPRETATION

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 300. Prose and Poetry: Let’s Start at the Very Beginning. Room UTC 4.122 For novice competitors. Starting at the very beginning is a very good place to start if you’re new to oral performance in high school. This workshop introduces novice and new prose/poetry coaches to the contest rules and procedures.  Jana Riggins, UIL State Speech Director.
• Session 301. A Dialogue with the Experienced Performer: The Challenge of Raising the Bar on Your Performance. Room UTC 2.112A For varsity competitors. An honest discussion of the little things that become the “big” things in performing literature and how, sometimes, “less” is “more”. Cody Church, Lexington HS.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 302. Categories for 2025-26. Room UTC 2.112A   For novice and varsity competitors and coaches. Don’t “miss the boat” this season! Walk through the current prose and poetry categories including a discussion of the true intent of Category A and B performers should understand when planning their performances. Ann Shofner, UIL state advisory committee for Oral Interpretation.  Ann Shofner, UIL consultant.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 304. Using AI to Sculpt the Perfect Script. Room UTC 2.112A   For novice and varsity competitors. Ready to take your Interp creativity to the next level? In this session you’ll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM to brainstorm unique themes, discover fresh reading material, and weave your selected pieces into a seamless program. This session will show you how AI can act as your creative partner by helping you find connections, explore perspectives, and polish your script without losing your authentic voice. Bring your ideas, your curiosity, and get ready to see how technology can spark storytelling magic. Barb Ixba, Westlake HS.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 305. Prose and Poetry Performance Showcase. Room UTC 2.112A     This session features performances to demonstrate Category A: Recognizing Joy. Be inspired by performances followed by oral critiques by experienced judges that share insight into what this category is all about. Oral critiques provided by State meet judges. 

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 306. Prose and Poetry Performance Showcase: Inspiring Change. Room UTC 2.112A      Be inspired by performances followed by oral critiques by experienced judges that share insight into what this category is all about. Oral critiques provided by State meet judges.

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 307. An Introduction to Extemporaneous Speaking. Room UTC 4.110  r novice competitors. Gain insight about the rules, draw room procedures and strategies for competing in Informative and Persuasive Speaking. Ann Shofner, state contest director.
• Session 308. A Toolkit for Extemporaneous Speaking. Room UTC 4.124 addressed in informative and persuasive speaking questions. Economic discussion about top issues of energy, inequality, globalization, and labor mobility. Greg Rehmke, Economic Thinking.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 309. A Toolkit for Extemporaneous Speaking. Room UTC 4.124   The economic way of thinking provides a toolkit for making sense of complex issues often addressed in informative and persuasive speaking questions. Economic discussion about top issues of energy, inequality, globalization, and labor mobility. Greg Rehmke, Economic Thinking. 

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 310. What’s Your AG, Extemper? Gaining Your Audience’s Attention! Room UTC 4.110  For novice and varsity speakers. Discuss what it takes to appeal to your audience with the use of an attention-getting device, smooth transitions throughout the speech, and an effective conclusion that pulls the speech together. Audience members will have the opportunity to create their own introduction for a selected extemp topic. Ann Shofner, moderator, state contest director.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 311. Stepping It Up! Bringing it All Together. Room UTC 4.110 For novice and varsity competitors. What do judges look for in Informative and Persuasive Speaking rounds? Using the UIL Extemporaneous Speaking ballots for analysis, learn the keys to what a successful speaker can do verbally and nonverbally to rank high in their round. Tips on what makes a speaker stand out as the champion in the round. Michael Donaldson, Connally ISD.

DEBATE: Dr. Rich Edwards, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 312. GStep Up to the Podium for a Win! The Basics of CX Debate. Room UTC 4.104 For beginning competitors. Familiarizes novice students with policy debate. CX Debate made user-friendly. Learn CX Debate format, speaker responsibilities and case construction. Mark Tribett, Dilley HS.
• Session 313. Middle School: First Speech to First Win!  Room UTC 4.132
  For middle school coaches and coordinators. Come learn about the exciting event for junior high schoolers – team debate. We’ll discuss the differences in HS policy debate and the new format for middle schoolers. Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University and UIL debate consultant.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 314. The Basics of Lincoln Douglas Debate. Room EUTC 4.122 FFor novice debaters. Discussion focusing on both the affirmative and the negative sides of argumentation. Russell Phelps, Waco.
• Session 315. Step Up to the Podium for a Win! – Cross-Examination Debate: Part II Room UTC 4.104
  For novice competitors. A continued discussion on the basics of understanding CX team debate. Mark Tribett, Dilley HS.
• Session 316. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Affirmative. Part I. Room UTC 4.132 For novice and varsity debaters. The author of the Policy Debate Quarterly will examine the affirmative position providing great information and insight into this year’s policy debate topic. Common affirmative cases will be discussed. Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University and UIL Debate consultant.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 317. Lincoln Douglas Debate: Case Writing for the Affirmative. Room UTC 4.122 For novice and varsity LD debaters. A review of the important elements necessary in an LD affirmative case and how to write a competitive one. Russell Phelps, Waco.
• Session 318. Values Clash! Room UTC 4.124 Focusing on both affirmative and negative sides of the UIL Fall LD Debate topic. Personal autonomy vs. state power to compulsory service. Is compulsory service justified? Can it benefit society and/or improve our lives? Greg Rhemke, Economic Thinking.
• Session 319. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Affirmative. Part II. Room UTC 4.132 For novice and varsity debaters. The author of the Policy Debate Quarterly will examine the affirmative position providing great information and insight into this year’s policy debate topic. Common affirmative cases will be discussed. Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University and UIL Debate consultant.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 320. Lincoln Douglas Debate: Case Writing for the Negative. Room UTC 4.122 For novice and varsity LD debaters. A review of the important elements necessary in an LD negative case and how to write a competitive one. Russell Phelps, Waco.
• Session 321. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Negative. Part I. Room UTC 4.132
  For novice and varsity debaters. The author of the Policy Debate Quarterly, which is the first and most authoritative research released on the policy topic each year, will examine the negative position of this year’s policy debate topic. Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University and UIL debate consultant.
• Session 322. Exploring & Developing the Amazing Arctic. Room UTC 4.124
  How best can USFG encourage new discoveries and developments across vast Arctic regions? Economic principles can help ground and guide cases and arguments. Greg Rehmke, Economic Thinking.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 323. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Negative. Part II. Room UTC 4.132  For novice and varsity debaters. The author of the Policy Debate Quarterly, which is the first and most authoritative research released on the policy topic each year, will examine the negative position of this year’s policy debate topic. Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University and UIL debate consultant.
• Session 324. CX Debate: Demonstration. Room UTC 4.104
  Watch a live round of policy debate. Debate moderator, Mark Tribett, Dilley HS.

CONGRESS: Jana Riggins, UIL Director of Speech, Debate & Congress

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 325. An Introduction to Congress. Room UTC 4.112 If this is your first experience competing in Congress or coaching the event, come learn about this exciting contest– we’ll cover the rules, legislation, and chamber roles. Melonee Menefee, Buffalo HS.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 326. Getting Answers for Congress Success.  Room UTC 4.112   For novice and varsity competitors and coaches. Bring your questions about Congress rules and procedures for a Question & Answer period, and a discussion about being a successful Presiding Officer for the chamber. Melonee Menefee, Buffalo HS.

SPEECH COACHES: Jana Riggins, UIL Director of Speech, Debate & Congress

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 313. Middle School: First Speech to First Win! Room UTC 4.132 For middle school debaters and coaches. An explanation of the middle school debate competition UIL is offering, how it contrasts from high school debate, resources provide. Come find out all about this exciting opportunity for middle school! Dr. Rich Edwards, Baylor University and UIL debate consultant.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 328. CX for New Debate Coaches: Explaining the Affirmative.  Room UTC 4.110 For new coaches. No background in debate? Don’t know the jargon debaters speak? No problem! We’ll discuss debate from very basic concepts to what you need to know to feel comfortable coaching team debate. Lots of opportunity to ask questions! Chad Flisowski, Pasadena ISD.

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 329. Calling All New Coaches! Room UTC 4.112 For new coaches. Need clarification on rules or contest procedures? Dates and deadlines? Need to get “up to speed” for the spring season? Survival tips for a full season of competition? Join your state speech and debate director in a roundtable discussion -- let’s dialogue! Jana Riggins, UIL director.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 330. CX for New Debate Coaches: Explaining the Affirmative.  Room UTC 4.104 For new coaches. No background or training in debate? Don’t know the jargon debaters speak? No problem! We’ll discuss theory from the very basics concepts of what you need to know to be comfortable coaching team debate. A great opportunity to get training so you can serve as your school judge if you qualify a team to State. Lots of opportunity to ask questions. Chad Flisowski, Pasadena ISD.

ONE-ACT PLAY: Paula Rodriguez, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 400. Let’s Start from the Very Beginning: UIL One Act Play Rules, Planning, Updates and Questions. Room WIN 2.112  (Part 1) For ALL OAP Directors. Paula Rodriguez, UIL Director of Theatre. 
• Session 401. Clowning and Play! Room WIN Dance Studio 1.172 How to build complicity with each other and the audience. Zack Fine, UT Theatre and Dance Faculty.
• Session 402. Game Exchange. Room WIN Acting Studio 2.180 Come mingle with new people, share their favorite games, and learn new ones!  No experience necessary. UTeach Theatre Creative Drama Students.
• Session 403. What Do You Mean We Need to Kiss on Stage?  Room WIN 1.108 We get it: being frisky on stage is risky… and theatrical intimacy can mean much more than kissing.So, how do we share space for taking creative risks?Come discuss and practice boundary setting, physical storytelling, and more! Irene Zhiyi Chen, UT Theatre and Dance, Graduate Student.
• Session 404. Physical Voice - Explore! Room WIN Acting Studio 1.134 How do you bring clarity to character voice on stage while being natural and dynamic? This session will be a physical exploration of voice techniques based in Linklater and Anzaldua. Come play! Alison Vasquez, UT Theatre and Dance Faculty.
• Session 405. Mapping Geographies of Home. Room WIN B.202 Mapping Geographies of Home: I n this interactive workshop, participants will explore Mapping Geographies of Home, a storytelling strategy that uses movement and performance to investigate personal and cultural understandings of “home.” Through mapping, gesture-making, and collaborative performance, students will discover how their own stories can be embodied and shared, offering a glimpse into the creative tools theatre provides for self-expression and connection. Annase Raji, UT Theatre and Dance Graduate Student.
• Session 434. Tour of Theatre Department. Room WIN Bass Concert Hall Lobby. Tour led by Theatre Volunteers.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 406. Let’s start from the very beginning: UIL One Act Play Rules, Planning, Updates
  and Questions Room TBA (Part 2) For ALL OAP Directors. Paula Rodriguez, UIL State Theatre Director.      
• Session 407. What’s the Score? Monologue Scoring. Room WIN Acting Studio 2.180 Learn how to score your monologue to match your performance highlighting, underlining and creating those moments to make your audition competition monologue stand out. Sherman Knetig, Medina Valley High School; Theatre Director.
• Session 408. What Do You Mean We Need to Kiss on Stage? Room WIN 1.108 We get it: being frisky on stage is risky… and theatrical intimacy can mean much more than kissing.So, how do we share space for taking creative risks?Come discuss and practice boundary setting, physical storytelling, and more! Irene Zhiyi Chen, UT Theatre and Dance, Graduate Student.
• Session 409. Physical Voice - Explore! (repeat) Room WIN Acting Studio 1.134 How do you bring clarity to character voice on stage while being natural and dynamic? This session will be a physical exploration of voice techniques based in Linklater and Anzaldua. Come play! Alison Vasquez, UT Theatre and Dance Faculty.
• Session 410. Mapping Geographies of Home. Room WIN B.202 Mapping Geographies of Home: I n this interactive workshop, participants will explore Mapping Geographies of Home, a storytelling strategy that uses movement and performance to investigate personal and cultural understandings of “home.” Through mapping, gesture-making, and collaborative performance, students will discover how their own stories can be embodied and shared, offering a glimpse into the creative tools theatre provides for self-expression and connection. Annase Raji, UT Theatre and Dance Graduate Student.
• Session 411. You Can’t Stop…the Nicest Kids in Town. Room WIN Dance Studio 1.172 You want to be one of the coolest kids in town? Come on down to learn some choreography from a popular musical, and maybe you can audition for the "CORNY COLLINS SHOW!!!" Jose DeHoyos, Northwest Vista College-Instructor of Drama.
• Session 412. Never Seen a…LIGHTING CONSOLE. Room WIN Lab Theatre In my adjudication of One Act Plays in small school conferences, I have often found many schools who don't have access to sound, lighting, and unit set until their official rehearsal at the contest site.My workshops aim to show how they can prepare for that rehearsal to make the best use of their technical time. Chuck Harris, TTAO Adjudicator, Texas State University.
• Session 418. Theatre & Dance Admissions Info Q & A. Room WIN 1.148 Join the College of Fine Arts for an Information Session and Q&A with our Department of Theatre and Dance Admissions Coordinator and current students! Ashley Rivera, UT Austin Staff.

11:00 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.

• Session 413. KEYNOTE- Meet The Outsiders. Room WIN Payne Theatre Question and Answer with actors with members of the touring company of The Outsiders: The Musical.

11:55 a.m.- 12:40 p.m.

• Session 414. You Can’t Stop…the Nicest Kids in Town. (repeat) Room WIN 1.172. 
• You want to be one of the coolest kids in town? Come on down to learn some choreography from a popular musical, and maybe you can audition for the "CORNY COLLINS SHOW!!!" Jose DeHoyos, Northwest Vista College-Instructor of Drama.
• Session 415. Unlock Your Lighting Potential. Room WIN Acting Studio 1.134  Explore strategies for building a positive relationship with UIL contest lighting. Learn the key elements of a “special” and how it can enhance your OAP production, along with tips on areas, plots, and instruments. Discover how to maximize your tech rehearsal — even without a full lighting system on your home campus. Cole Rickman, Austin ISD, Performing Arts Center, Production Supervisor.
• Session 416. Games Exchange (repeat)  Room WIN Acting Studio 2.180 Come mingle with new people, share their favorite games, and learn new ones!No experience necessary. UTeach Theatre Creative Drama Students.
• Session 417. Never Seen a…SOUND CONSOLE. Room WIN Lab Theatre n my adjudication of One Act Plays in small school conferences, I have often found many schools who don't have access to sound, lighting, and unit set until their official rehearsal at the contest site.  My workshops aim to show how they can prepare for that rehearsal to make the best use of their technical time. Chuck Harris, TTAO Adjudicator, Texas State University.
• Session 418. Theatre & Dance Admissions Info Q &A. Room WIN 2.112 Join the College of Fine Arts for a Information Session and Q&A with our Department of Theatre and Dance Admissions Coordinator and current students! Ashley Rivera, UT Austin Staff.
• Session 419. Director’s Recipe for Staging Intimacy. Room WIN 1.108 Let’s get cooking – with ingredients of intimacy choreography, sprinkles of dramaturgical wisdom, and tools for open communication!We’ll develop principles and strategies to make your classroom and rehearsal room more equitable and consensual. Irene Zhiyi Chen, UT Theatre and Dance, Graduate Student.

  12:50 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

• Session 420. Unlock Your Lighting Potential. Room WIN Acting Studio 1.134  Explore strategies for building a positive relationship with UIL contest lighting. Learn the key elements of a “special” and how it can enhance your OAP production, along with tips on areas, plots, and instruments. Discover how to maximize your tech rehearsal — even without a full lighting system on your home campus. Cole Rickman, Austin ISD, Performing Arts Center, Production Supervisor.
•  Session 421. Never Seen a…UNIT SET.  Room WIN Lab Theatre In my adjudication of One Act Plays in small school conferences, I have often found many schools who don't have access to sound, lighting, and unit set until their official rehearsal at the contest site.My workshops aim to show how they can prepare for that rehearsal to make the best use of their technical time. Chuck Harris, TTAO Adjudicator, Texas State University.
• Session 423. All About Majoring in Theatre Education. Room WIN B.202 Seniors from the BFA Theatre Education program will lead an interactive overview of their experience majoring in Theatre Education.This session is great for participants who might want to become theatre teachers or want to learn more about college degrees.  UTeach Theatre Seniors.
• Session 424. Director’s Recipe for Staging Intimacy. (repeat) Room WIN 1.108 Let’s get cooking – with ingredients of intimacy choreography, sprinkles of dramaturgical wisdom, and tools for open communication!We’ll develop principles and strategies to make your classroom and rehearsal room more equitable and consensual. Irene Zhiyi Chen, UT Theatre and Dance, Graduate Student.
• Session 435. Tour of Theatre Department. Room Bass Concert Hall Lobby Tour led by Theatre Volunteers.                                                                                                               

FILM: 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 425. Getting Started with the UIL Film Festival. Room WIN 2.136  Are you new to UIL Film? This session will give you a jump start. Get informed about the categories & rules, view examples of past winners, and find the inspiration. Rodrigo Sanchez, UIL Film Consultant, Midland College.               

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 426. The 5 Keys: Getting Started in the UIL Film Contest. Room WIN 2.136 A student-centered workshop that outlines how to create a successful short film. Based on “Filmmaking for Teens” by Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols, this session provides essential tips and strategies for students aiming to start in the UIL Film Contest. Rodrigo Sanchez, UIL Film Consultant, Midland College.

11:00 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.

Session 413. KEYNOTE- Meet The Outsiders. Room WIN Payne Theatre Question and Answer with actors with members of the touring company of The Outsiders: The Musical.

11:55 a.m.- 12:40 p.m.

• Session 428. The Three-Day Shoot. Room WIN 2.136 A student-centered workshop focused on completing principal filming for a short film. Participants will learn strategies for keeping actors committed, managing time effectively, and avoiding schedule overruns. The session includes practical tips to help students navigate the challenges of a fast-paced film shoot. Rodrigo Sanchez, UIL Film Consultant, Midland College.

  12:50 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

• Session 427. Scripted in Advance. Room WIN 2.136   A student-centered workshop designed to help create and develop ideas for short films. Based on “Filmmaking for Teens” by Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols. Participants will learn how to move from the dream phase to actual production. Ideal for those looking to enter the UIL Film Contest but unsure where to start, this session offers practical guidance and inspiration. You will need something to write with to start brainstorming! Rodrigo Sanchez, UIL Film Consultant, Midland College.                                                                                                   

THEATRICAL DESIGN: Rachael Gomez, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 429. The Basics: What Is the Theatrical Design Contest?  Room WIN 1.164  For those looking to enter the contest for the first time or who would like a refresher on the expectations. Because the challenge is different every year, it is important to update as you are starting your competition year. If you have never participated but would like to… hopefully this session will inspire you to compete in what promises to be our best year ever.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 430. What Makes a Winning Entry. Room WIN 1.164   The Theatrical Design Contest incorporates a 30/30/20/20 Evaluation system. Learn what to do to maximize success within each criteria. This is ultimately an artistic communication contest so let’s talk about what that looks like for you. We will also talk pro-tips and tricks for making your entry stand out.

11:00 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.

Session 413. KEYNOTE- Meet The Outsiders. Room Payne Theatre Question and Answer with actors with members of the touring company of The Outsiders: The Musical.

11:55 a.m.- 12:40 p.m.

• Session 431. The Prompt. Room WIN 1.164   Double Session Part I. Our contest this year is based on the play, THE KING STAG. The design challenges are exciting and offer some new project opportunities within the different categories. This session will dig into many possibilities of concepts to explore and how to incorporate the prompt within your designs.

  12:50 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

• Session 432. The Prompt, Continued. Room WIN 1.164  Double Session Part II. Based on the play THE KING STAG. The design challenges are exciting and offer some new project opportunities within the different categories. This session will dig into many possibilities of concepts to explore and how to incorporate the prompt in your designs.