Student Activities Conference - Prosper 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 1218
  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 102. UIL Camps in the Summer. Room 1218 

  Come learn more about how to create and offer UIL Summer Camps for your Elementary, Middle and High School programs to both add to your activity account and enrich your UIL program as well providing extra income for your coaches during the summer. Racy Kane, Prosper ISD. 

11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 103. Survival Tips for the Academic Coordinator and Coach. Room 1218
  A few ideas on balancing coordinator, coaching and teaching duties to provide a great experience for your UIL academic program. Cindy Berry, Lindsay HS.

 12:40 p.m.- 1:10 p.m.

• Session 104. I’m the New Academic Coordinator. Room 1218
  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

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 105. UIL A+ Academics: Pathway to Excellence. Room 1237
  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 106. Accounting Basics of Success. Room 1233
  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 107. Accounting Cycle: Contest to College Major to Career. Room 1233
  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 108. Accounting Rocks! Room 1233
  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 109. Mastering the Accounting Regional Test. Room 1233
  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 a.m

• Session 110. Current Issues & Events Introduction & Discussion. Room 1235
  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 111. UIL Essay Contest: One Essay, Major Impact. Room 1231
  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 113. It's All in Your Head. Room Auditorium
  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. Jean Ann Collins, Princeton HS.

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am

• Session 114. Copy Editing 101. Room Auditorium
  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. Lisa Roskens, Prosper HS.

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

• Session 115. Good News. Room Auditorium 

  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 Leaguetown Press.” Alyssa Boehringer, UIL Director of Journalism.  

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 116. Feature Comforts. Room Auditorium 

  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. 

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session 117. Take a Stand. Room Auditorium 

  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. 

LITERARY CRITICISM: Mark Bernier, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 118. A Foundational Introduction to the Literary Criticism Contest. Room 1227
  (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 120. A Foundational Introduction to the Literary Criticism Contest. Room 1229
  (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 120. Explicating Poetry for the Literary Criticism Contest. Room 1227
  (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 121. Explicating Poetry for the Literary Criticism Contest. Room 12297
  (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 122. The 2026 Reading List and The Handbook to Literature. Room 1227
  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 123. Ready Writing: An Overview of the Contest! Room 1231
  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 124. Ready Writing: An Overview of the Contest (for New Contestants). Room 1231
  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 125. An Introduction and Review of the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide for Contestants and Coaches. Room 1231
  Double Session Part I. An overview of changes in the new rubric used for grading.

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 126. An Introduction and Review of the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide for Contestants and Coaches. Room 1231
  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 127. Introduction to the Social Studies Contest. Room 1235
  Double Session Part II. Discuss the basics of how to approach the UIL Social Studies Contest.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 128. Social Studies: Advanced. Room 1235
  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.

SPELLING & VOCABULARY: Linda Berrey, State Contest Director 

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

• Session 129. Becoming Legitimate Logophilic Laureates. Room 1237
  Strategies for upping your spelling game.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 130. Strategies for Upping Your Spelling Game. Room 1237
  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 1104
  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 1104
   

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

• Session 203. Intermediate – Acceleration and Trajectory Stated Problems. Room 1104

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 221. Advanced - Taking and Scoring a Full Contest. Room 1104

COMPUTER SCIENCE: Dr. Shyamal Mitra, State Contest Advisor 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 204. Computational Thinking. Room 1102
  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 1102
  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 1102
  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 1102
  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 1102
  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 LGI
  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 LGI
  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 LGI
  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 LGI
  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 LGI
  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 1501
  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 1501
  Double Session Part II. An overview of program structure, options and guidelines for participation, recommended resources, and more. 

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 2101   
  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 217. Physics Deep Dive. Room 2101   
  Deconstructing the Science test, with insights into how Physics section is developed. Dr. David Bixler, State Contest Director. 
   

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm

• Session 219. Chemistry Deep Dive. Room 2101   
  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. 

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm

• Session 220. Coaches' Roundtable. Room 2101 
  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. 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 1110
  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 1128 
  For varsity competitors. An honest discussion of the little things that become the “big” things in performing literature and how, sometimes, “less” is “more”. 

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 302. Categories for 2025-26. Room 1301 
  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.  

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 303. Prose and Poetry Performance Showcase. Room 1300 
  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 304. Prose and Poetry Performance Showcase: Inspiring Change. Room 1300 
  This session features performances to demonstrate Category B: Inspiring Change. Be inspired by performances followed by oral critiques by experienced judges that share insight into what this category is all about. Oral critiques provide by State meet judges. 

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 305. Intro to Extemporaneous Speaking.  Room 1301 
  For 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 306. A Toolkit for Extemporaneous Speaking. Room 1114 
  For experienced speakers. 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 307. What’s Your AG, Extemper? Gaining Your Audience’s Attention! Room 1301 
  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, State Contest Director.

• Session 308. Examining a Competitive Extemp Speech.  Room 1302 

  For novice and varsity competitors. Hear an experienced speaker present a competitive speech. Afterwards, participate in examining the speech. Take the opportunity to ask the speaker how he arrived at the decisions he made in the speech: what sources to cite, how he determined how to organize his speech, determine the main points, and how he prepared. Ann Shofner, State Contest Director. 
   

 12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 309. Stepping It Up! Bringing Tt All Together. Room 1301 
  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. Ann Shofner, State Contest Director. 
• Session 310. A Toolkit for Extemporaneous Speaking. Room 1114 

  (Repeat Session) For experienced speakers. 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.  

DEBATE: Dr. Rich Edwards, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 311. Step Up to the Podium for a Win! The Basics of CX Debate. Room 1111 
  For beginning competitors. Familiarizes novice students with policy debate. CX Debate made user-friendly. Learn CX Debate format, speaker responsibilities and case construction.  
• Session 312. Middle School:First Speech to First Win! Room 1524 
  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. 
• Session 313. The Basics of Lincoln Douglas Debate. Room 1117
  For novice debaters. Discussion focusing on both the affirmative and the negative sides of argumentation. 
• Session 314. Advanced LD Debate. Room 1118 

  For varsity debaters. Taking your argumentation up a level. Michael Mattis, Grand Saline HS. LD State Advisory Committee.  

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 315. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Affirmative. Part I. Room 1524 
  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.  
• Session 316. Lincoln Douglas Debate: Case Writing for the Affirmative.  Room 1118 
  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. Michael Mattis, Grand Saline HS, LD State Advisory Committee. 

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

• Session 317. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Affirmative. Part II Room 1524 
  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.  
• Session 318. Values Clash! Room 1114 
  Focusing on both affirmative and negative sides of 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.

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 319. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Negative. Part I. Room 1524
  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 320. Lincoln Douglas Debate: The Negative. Room 1118 
  For novice and varsity LD debaters. A review of the important elements necessary in an LD negative case and how to structure a competitive negative position. Michael Mattis, Grand Saline HS, State Advisory Committee.  
• Session 321. Exploring & Developing the Amazing Arctic. Room 1114 

  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 322. CX Debate Topic Analysis: The Negative. Part II. Room 1302
  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 323. CX Debate: Demonstration. Room 1524
  Watch a live round of policy debate. Debate moderator, Heather Stringer, Princeton HS. 

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

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 324. An Introduction to Congress. Room 1117 
  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.  Jimmy Smith, Collinsville HS. 

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 326. Training the Presiding Officer.  Room 1117 
  For novice and varsity competitors and coaches. Hear a discussion about being a successful Presiding Officer for the chamber. Jimmy Smith, Collinsville HS. 
   

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

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 312. Middle School: First Speech to First Win!  Room 1524 
  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 328. Surviving the Season and Thriving! Room 1128 
  Description TBA. Hannah Rodriguez, Prosper HS.

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

• Session 329. Growing a Program! Room 1110 
  How to find your stride growing a program from small to large in a short amount of time. Hear some coaching tips to find your own groove. Heather Stringer, Princeton HS.
   

 11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 330. Gaining Administrative Support for Your Speech Program. Room 1110 
  Gain insight from an administrative point of view on what to do and what NOT to do in order to get the support you need to have a thriving speech program in your school. Racy Kane, Prosper ISD. 

   

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

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 401. OAP Tricks of the Trade: Preparing for your OAP Site Rehearsal Room Black Box 
  Maximize every minute of your UIL One Act Play Site Rehearsal with expert strategies and insights! In this workshop, we’ll cover how to streamline your Site rehearsal process, ensuring you're prepared, organized, and efficient. We’ll discuss time-saving techniques for setting up, spiking, running scenes, and problem-solving under pressure. This session will empower directors and technicians to confidently approach site rehearsals and set the stage for a successful performance. Jessica Brewster, Walnut Grove HS, Prosper ISD. 
• Session 402. Ensemble Workshop. Room 1302 
  Students will explore movement, breath, and timing with an ensemble piece from my adaptation of The Yellow Wallpaper. Shanna Klutts, TTAO Adjudicator and Playwright  
• Session 403. Character Creation: Off the Page and To the Stage. Room 1300 
  Come ready to explore games and activities that are aimed for character development. Take your character to new heights by taking your preparation off the page and onto the stage. Mandia Tapia-Pace, Keller High School. 
• Session 404. Venetian Theatre Wars.  Room 1130
  A bird, a statue, and a really handsome king?? Dive into the world of 18th-century Venice and learn about the inspiration behind The King Stag by Carlo Gozzi! A magical world of masks, mayhem, and mischief - all to prove a point - THEATRE IS MAGIC! BK Goodman, Texas Thespians Director of Operations

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 405. Mapping your OAP: a Table Work Journey. Room Black Box 
  You've heard of what tablework is, but you aren't sure how to approach it... This workshop will cover what tablework is, how it can engage your actors in finding deeper connections, prepare your technicians, and make sure you have "unity of purpose" before you ever begin your first blocking rehearsal. Jessica Brewster, Walnut Grove HS, Prosper ISD   
• Session 406. Split Scene Workshop. Room 1302  
  Students will be given a scene from my script Einstein’s Daughter that is two actions happening simultaneously, exploring the importance of timing, reacting, and advancing the story. Shanna Klutts, TTAO Adjudicator and Playwright.
• Session 407. Physical Storytelling: From Impulse to Action. Room 1300 
  For students and teachers.  Join us as we explore storytelling through movement and action. Kaelee Huseman, theatre director, Moseley Middle School, Prosper ISD. 
• Session 408. Take Your Movement from 6-7 to a 10. Room 1401 Dance Studio 
  Are you feeling like you can't quite figure out how to move like your character? Do you feel like your character should move like a rhino...or maybe more like a vulture? Learn ways to explore character movement through the use of Laban. We will learn some new ways to help you better communicate about movement and understand the many ways we move around. Kendall Snyder, Theatre director, Rushing Middle School, Prosper ISD.  
• Session 409. From Start to Finish: Creative OAP Designs Within the Rules of the Contest to Refining Your On-Site Rehearsal. Room 1426
  BK Goodman and Travis Poe, seasoned contest managers, present a PowerPoint of images from OAP shows and how to best utilize your company's time at the on-site rehearsal. Travis Poe and BK Goodman TTAO Adjudicator and Contest Managers (double session)  

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

• Session 410. Shurtleff's Secrets: 12 Guideposts to Acting Greatness! Room Black Box 
  Join us for an immersive workshop designed for directors of all levels, where we will explore Michael Shurtleff's renowned "12 Guideposts" to elevate your craft and enhance your performances. This dynamic session will provide participants with practical tools and insights to deepen their understanding of character, scene work, and emotional connection. Jessica Brewster, Walnut Grove HS, Prosper ISD. 
• Session 411. Write Your Story. Room 1302 
  Playwriting workshop - the importance of telling your story, fleshing out your world and characters, and making sure there is a story arc. Will be brainstorming ideas, discussing storylines, and hopefully leave with a basic understanding of a story arc as well as the beginnings of their very own play. Shanna Klutts, TTAO Adjudicator and Playwright.
• Session 412. Pick it Apart: Script Analysis for OAP. Room 1300 

  Script analysis is an important part of your OAP journey. Come learn how to pick apart your script and get a deeper understanding of the art of storytelling. Mandia Tapia-Pace, Keller High School. 
• Session 413. From Start to Finish: Creative OAP Designs Within the Rules of the Contest to Refining Your On-Site Rehearsal. Room 1426

  BK Goodman and Travis Poe, seasoned contest managers, present a PowerPoint of images from OAP shows and how to best utilize your company's time at the on-site rehearsal. Travis Poe and BK Goodman TTAO Adjudicator and Contest Managers (double session)  

11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 414. Let’s start from the very beginning: UIL One Act Play Rules, Planning, Updates and Questions. Room 1426 
  (Part 1) For ALL OAP Directors. Paula Rodriguez, UIL State Theatre Director.  
  audition for the "CORNY COLLINS SHOW!!!" Jose DeHoyos, Northwest Vista College-Instructor of Drama.
• Session 415. Theatre as a Sport. Room Black Box 
  Understanding the team mentality of any production! A successful production thrives on a strong sense of teamwork — onstage and off. This workshop explores how to approach every aspect of the process with a collaborative mindset, from rehearsal room dynamics, during the show, and after. Students will learn how ensemble building extends beyond performance, fostering a team culture where every member contributes to the shared artistic vision and overall success of the show. Sarah DeVito and Grayson Merchant, Richland High School

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 416. Let’s start from the very beginning: UIL One Act Play Rules, Planning, Updates and Questions. Room 1426 
  (Part 2) For ALL OAP Directors. Paula Rodriguez, UIL State Theatre Director.  
• Session 417. Set Design Tips and Tricks. Room Black Box 
  It’s all in the ground plan and finishing. In this workshop we will explore how directors and students can collaborate to create purposeful, polished designs. Learn how strong ground plans, thoughtful finishes, and intentional lighting work together to bring any production to life. Sarah DeVito and Grayson Merchant, Richland High School.                                                                                     

FILM: 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 418. Getting Started with the UIL Film Festival. Room 1210  
  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. Paula Rodriguez, UIL State Theatre Director.  
•  
  Session 419. All About Animation. Room 1212 

  Learn the secrets behind making your drawings move. Perfect for complete beginners. We’ll cover some principles of animation. All you need is a curious mind. Bryant Varnell, Sachse High School, Garland ISD 

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.

• Session 420. All About Live-Action. Room 1212 
  Discover the art and craft of visual storytelling in this hands-on, live-action filmmaking workshop for beginners. Whether you have a great story idea, a creative vision, or simply a passion for film, explore the creation of Live-Action filmmaking. All you need is a curious mind. Bryant Varnell, Sachse High School, Garland ISD 
•  
  Session 421. Pre-Production "Plan it like you mean it". Room 1210 

  Your film begins long before the camera rolls. Stop winging it and start planning for success. Russ Olsen, Rock Hill, Prosper ISD.  

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 422. How to Create an Award-Winning Film (general tips and tricks). Room 1210
  Learn strategies for creating amazing films for the UIL contest. Michael Logan, UIL Film Sponsor, Prosper High School 

11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 423. Writing for Short Films. Room 1210 
  Have a compelling idea for a short film but don’t know where to start? We'll demystify the process of writing for short films in the UIL Film contest. Kyle Juntunen, Film sponsor, Allen High School. 

  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.

• Session 424. Basics of Adobe Premiere Pro for UIL Film Room 1210 
  Learn the essentials of video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro to prepare for UIL Film competition. This hands-on session covers importing footage, organizing clips, editing on the timeline, adding transitions, and exporting your final project. You will also explore basic special effects and color adjustments to make your film stand out on screen. Perfect for beginners ready to take their storytelling to the next level. Justin Holland, Film Sponsor, Argyle high School. 

THEATRICAL DESIGN: Rachael Gomez, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am

• Session 426. The Basics: What Is the Theatrical Design Contest?  Room 1132
  This Session is 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 427. The Prompt. Room 1132
  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. 

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.

• Session 428. The Prompt, Continued. Room 1132
  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. 

  11:45 p.m.- 12:30 p.m.

• Session 429. What Makes a Winning Entry. Room 1132
  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.