SUBMISSION DEADLINE- JANUARY 9, 2027
STATE- February 25, 2026
This is a competition for (academically eligible) high school students at UIL member schools. It is student-driven creative storytelling in the cinematic medium. What does that mean? Films are created, produced, and finished in post by high school students. There is no specific prompt or theme for contest, other than use your imagination! Be creative! Most importantly, tell a great story!
There are four submission categories:
•Narrative films (i.e. fiction), 3-7 minutes in length
•Documentary films (i.e. non-fiction), 3-7 minutes in length
• Digital Animation (primarily computer-assisted digital animation), 30 seconds-3 minutes in length
•Traditional Animation (hand-drawn and/or stop-motion), 30 seconds-3 minutes in length.
This is a competition; therefore, films will be judged in their entirety. Each film should tell a complete standalone story (no parts 1, 2, 3, etc.).
The best films reflect artistry in:
• Writing/story
• Cinematography (composition, framing, lighting)
• Production design (set, wardrobe, makeup) / Visuals
• Performance / Subjects (if documentary)
• Editing/Pacing • Sound Design
• Technical Skill (good sound quality, color balance, visual effects)
It’s not a recipe, and the list doesn’t apply to every film—what makes sense for the story you’re trying to tell?
Only those films produced for the current school year (2026-2027) will be considered for submission into the contest. Films from previous contest years are not eligible for competition. Films that began production during the spring semester (2026) or summer months (2026) prior to the new school year, are eligible for the 2026-2027 UIL Film contest.
All students producing (non-performers) the film must be eligible students under the current UIL rules (e.g., a 10th grade student may start production of a contest film in summer of 2026 and enter their film as an 11th grader for the 2027 festival).
Students producing the film must be currently enrolled (2026-2027 school year) and attending a UIL member high school. The entire production team must be enrolled full-time day students at the participating UIL member high school during the 2026-27 school year.
See UIL Eligibility
Only students producing the film (non-performers) shall be listed on the official entry form.
• There is no minimum or maximum number of student contestants.
• Performers are not considered contestants if that is their only role in the project.
• Adult involvement in the project is limited to sponsors and onscreen talent only.
• There is no amateur rule for this contest.
• No professional assistance (i.e. paid work performed by an adult or professional for-hire company) is allowed in the production shoot or in post-production.
This does not apply to things like buying a costume or prop.
It does apply to things like camera operators, post-production personnel, etc.
You can use professional software, but you cannot use the services of a digital effects artist.
For additional clarification, contact the UIL Theatre office.
• Adult Sponsors in the UIL State Student Film Festival shall be full-time employees of the school districts they represent. Their actual involvement in producing the film shall be in an advisory capacity only.
Time limits include credits and will be checked in prelims.
Each school may submit three (3) films in each of the following four categories:
• Narrative- 3-7 minutes maximum in length
• Documentary (No Broadcast News or PSAs)- 3-7 minutes maximum in length
• Computer/Digital Animation, in which the illusion of movement/imagery of the subject or character is created by keyframes in a digital animation program. 30 seconds to 3 minutes maximum in length.
• Traditional Animation, in which the illusion of movement is 100% created by the filmmaker(s). This includes hand-drawn animation or stop-motion animation which physically adjusts objects in each frame. 30 seconds to 3 minutes maximum in length.
5. (alt)
5. (alt)
Since storytelling is one of the oldest artforms in civilization, the goal of this category is to share meaningful and creative narratives through poetry. While this reader's choice format allows for flexibility in theme, the contestant should ground their performance in sound literary merit, emotional depth, and a well-developed narrative.
For Category A, poems may be written or retold by either a single poet, multiple poets, or from a co-authored source. Self-authored materials shall not be used. The poet(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category B of poetry.
When using copyrighted material, each member school is responsible for obtaining permission from the publisher for their participant to use the material. UIL assumes no responsibilities for copyright permission to perform material.
Unless published as poetry, song lyrics may be used only as transitions between poems. Although these shall not count as poems in the six allowed in this category, lyrics used as transitions should not be excessive, with the focus placed on the poetry itself. If transitions are sung, the singing should be limited in scope.
The introduction shall include all titles and poets read in the performance. If the program is woven, the contestant should state it in the introduction. If song lyrics are used as transitions, the participant should state their use in the introduction. The different poetry works should be distinguishable through interpretation.
Documentation Requirements
The contestant shall prepare and provide for the contest director and each judge a hard copy of the current UIL Poetry A Documentation online form.
The contestant shall provide proof the poem(s) are published.
Proof of poetry genre shall be required.
If a poetry selection is drawn from a book containing mixed genre, the contestant shall provide proof the work is poetry.
Examples of acceptable proof of published include:
the original published source
a photocopy of the copyright of the original source
online printout of Library of Congress cataloging information
If a poem is drawn from a literary collection, the contestant shall supply the original source or a photocopy of the table of contents that designates the title of the book and proof the poem is included in that book,
A printout from an online source proving the poem is included in the published collection. Printouts of online documentation shall include the URL of the website downloaded in the header or footer
Examples of UNacceptable forms of formal documentation include:
Social media
Copying and pasting into a word processing document
Screenshots
AI-generated documentation
Material chosen for use in Category A of Poetry Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions:
(A) A minimum of one poem and up to six poetry selections may be used.
(B) If performing a single selection, the poem shall be published; printed material and internet material shall be poetry published concurrently in hard copy.
(C) Anonymous poem(s) may be used if concurrently published in hard copy.
(D) If multiple poems are used, the student may, but is not required to, weave the poems in formatting the program.
(E) Self-authored materials shall not be used.
(F) Selections from plays, screenplays, movies, speeches, or monologues shall not be used.
(G) Song lyrics published as music only and not as poetry may be used, but their use shall be limited to transitions between the poems.
(H) The use of AI-generated material shall be strictly prohibited.
(I) No contestant shall use the same poet in more than one category in the contest.
(J) No contestant shall use selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet.
(K) Selections shall be read in the English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in the original.
The goal of this category is to explore the spirit of American life. Poems should examine the traditions, landscapes, people, or events that define the American experience. This category explores how both triumph and tragedy can shape our identity.
In this category, the contestant may read one single poem, an excerpt of a poem or poems, or may create a program containing no more than six literary works of poetry.
For Category B, co-authored and anonymous works are permissible. Self-authored materials shall not be used. The poet(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category A of poetry.
When using copyrighted material, each member school is responsible for obtaining permission from the publisher for their participant to use the material. UIL assumes no responsibilities for copyright permission to perform material.
Unless published as poetry, song lyrics may be used only as transitions between poems. Although these shall not count as poems in the six allowed in this category, lyrics used as transitions should not be excessive, with the focus placed on the poetry. If transitions are sung, the singing should be limited in scope.
The introduction and/or transitions shall include all titles and poets read in the program. If the program is woven, the contestant should state it in the introduction, and the different poems should be distinguishable through interpretation. If song lyrics are used as transitions, the participant shall state their use in the introduction. Brief original transitions may be used to tie the performance together but should be limited in use.
Documentation Requirements
The contestant shall prepare and provide for the contest director and each judge a hard copy of the current UIL Poetry B Documentation online form.
Proof of poetry genre shall be required.
If a poetry selection is drawn from a book containing mixed genre, the contestant shall provide proof the selection is poetry.
No proof of publication for Category B is required.
See the UIL Prose and Poetry Handbook and the official UIL website for expanded, detailed information about acceptable and unacceptable documentation.
Students are urged, but not mandated, to take to the contest site the original source of each published selection.
Material chosen for use in Category B of Poetry Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions:
(A) A minimum of one and up to six poetry selections may be used.
(B) All poetry may be published, printed material, or internet material. No transcribed material will be allowed.
(C) If multiple poems are used, the student may, but is not required, to weave the poems in formatting the program.
(D) Selections from plays or screenplays, movies, speeches, and monologues shall not be used.
(E) Song lyrics published as music only and not as poetry may be used, but their use shall be limited to transitions between the poems.
(F) Self-authored materials shall not be used.
(G) The use of AI-generated material shall be strictly prohibited.
(H) No contestant shall use the same poets in more than one category in the contest.
(I) No contestant shall use selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet.
(J) Selections shall be read in the English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in the original.
Since storytelling is one of the oldest artforms in civilization, the goal of this category is to share meaningful and creative stories through prose. While this reader's choice format allows for flexibility in theme, the contestant should ground their performance in sound literary merit, emotional depth, and a well-developed story arc.
For Category A, students may select from fiction or non-fiction, which may be written or retold by a single author or from a co-authored source. Self-authored materials shall not be used. The author(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category B of prose.
When using copyrighted material, each member school is responsible for obtaining permission from the publisher for their participant to use the material. UIL assumes no responsibilities for copyright permission to perform material.
The introduction shall include the title and author(s) used in the performance.
Documentation Requirements
The contestant shall prepare and provide for the contest director and each judge a hard copy of the current UIL Prose A Documentation online form.
The contestant shall provide proof the selection is published.
The contestant shall also provide proof of prose genre.
If a prose selection is drawn from a book containing mixed genre, the contestant shall provide proof the selection is prose.
Examples of acceptable proof of publication include:
The original published source
Photocopy of the copyright of the original source
Online printout of Library of Congress cataloguing information
If a prose selection is drawn from a literary collection (anthology), the contestant shall supply the original source or a photocopy of the table of contents that designates the title of the book and proof the prose selection is included in that book.
A printout from an online source proving the selection is included in the published collection. Printouts of online documentation shall include the URL of the website.
Examples of UNacceptable forms of formal documentation include:
Social media
Copying and pasting into a word processing document
Screenshots
AI generated documentation
See the UIL Prose and Poetry Handbook provided online and the official UIL website for expanded, detailed information about acceptable and unacceptable documentation.
Students are urged, but not mandated, to take to the contest site the original published source of the selection.
Material chosen for use in Category A of Prose Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions:
(A) A single selection of prose shall be used.
(B) The prose shall be published, printed material, or internet material that shall be published concurrently in hard copy.
(C) Self-authored material shall not be used.
(D) An anonymous work may be used if concurrently published in hard copy.
(E) Selections from plays, screenplays, movies, monologues, songs, or speeches shall not be used.
(F) The use of AI-generated material shall be strictly prohibited.
(G) No contestant shall use the same writer in more than one category in the contest.
(H) No contestant shall use selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet.
(I) Selections shall be read in the English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in the original.
The goal of this category is to explore the spirit of American life. Selections should examine the traditions, landscapes, people, or events that define the American experience. This category explores how both triumph and tragedy can shape our identity.
In this category, the contestant shall read a single literary work of prose or an excerpt of prose or may create a program containing no more than four literary works of prose.
For Category B, the performance may be selected from fiction and/or non-fiction. Co-authored and anonymous works of prose are permissible. Self-authored materials shall not be used. The author(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category A of prose.
When using copyrighted material, each member school is responsible for obtaining permission from the publisher for their participant to use the material. UIL assumes no responsibilities for copyright permission to perform material.
The introduction and/or transitions shall include all titles and authors read in the performance. If the program is woven, the contestant should state it in the introduction, and the different prose works should be distinguishable through interpretation. Brief original transitions may be used to tie the performance together but should be limited.
Documentation Requirements
The contestant shall prepare and provide for the contest director and each judge a hard copy of the current UIL Prose B Documentation online form.
Proof of prose genre shall be required.
See the UIL Prose and Poetry Handbook and the official UIL website for expanded, detailed information about acceptable and unacceptable documentation.
Students are urged, but not mandated, to take to the contest site the original source of each published selection.
Material chosen for use in Category B of Prose Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions:
(A) A minimum of one but no more than four prose selections shall be used in this program.
(B) The selection(s) may be published, printed material, or internet material from literary sources; No transcribed material will be allowed.
(C) Selections from plays, screenplays, movies, and monologues shall not be used.
(D) Speeches may be used but may not be the entire performance.
(E) Self-authored materials shall not be used.
(F) The use of AI-generated material shall be strictly prohibited.
(G) No contestant shall use the same author in more than one category in the contest.
(H) No contestant shall use selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet.
(I) Selections shall be read in the English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in the original.
Song lyrics are not eligible to be performed as literary selections or transitions between selections in Category A or Category B of PROSE.
For DETAILED INFORMATION, click the link.
SUNNYVALE CLINIC DATE: Feb. 2nd PLACE: Sunnyvale
(Cy Scoggins)
OAP CLINIC- Mark Pickell DATE: Feb. 10th at 9:00 AM PLACE: Argyle, HS
DHS OAP CLINIC DATE: Feb. 11th-13th PLACE: Decatur HS
TBA OAP CLINIC- DATE: TBA PLACE: TBA
UIL State Film Festival DATE: Feb 24th-26th** TBA PLACE: Austin
DISTRICT 7, 4A UIL OAP DATE: March 5th (Rehearsal) PLACE: Decatur High School
DISTRICT 7, 4A UIL OAP DATE: March 6th (Contest) PLACE: Decatur High School
BI-DISTRICT-4A Dist. 7/8 DATE: March 25th (Rehearsal & Contest) PLACE: Argyle High School
ACADEMICS Day 1 DATE: April 2nd** TBA PLACE: Decatur High School
ACADEMICS Day 2 DATE: April 3rd** TBA PLACE: Decatur High School
AREA 2- 4A Reg. I, (Dist. 5,6,7,8) DATE: April 9-10, 2027 PLACE: Tarleton State University
STUDENT PERFORMANCE DATE: TBD PLACE: Decatur HS
REGION- (4A Region I) DATE: April 21-22, 2027** TBA PLACE: Texas Tech, Allen Theatre, Lubbock
REGION ACADEMICS DATE: April 23-24, 2027 PLACE: Texas Tech, Lubbock
PUBLIC PERFORMANCE DATE: TBD PLACE: Decatur HS
STATE 4A- Theatrical Design DATE: May 14-15, 2027 (leave on 13th) PLACE: Austin ISD PAC
STATE 4A- One Act Play DATE: May 17th, 2027 PLACE: Austin ISD PAC
The King Stag (script)
Commedia dell'arte National Theatre Playlist
Discover the world of Commedia dell'arte video (National Theatre)
Commedia dell'arte historical overview video (National Theatre)
Commedia dell'arte character shape video (National Theatre)
As always, see previous years below for more information.
For OAP Information, click HERE
Costume
Valeria Sanchez
Leonel Corona
Makeup
Catherine Yurasek
TBA
Set
TBA
TBA
Marketing
Taylor Draper
Group
Marketing-
Set-
Makeup-
Costume-
or Props-
2024 Intro to Interp (same for 2006)
2024 Oral Interp Choices (same for 2006)
2024 Oral Interp Categories (same for 2006)
2024 Getting Started in Film (same for 2006)
UIL website (same for 2006)
UIL Poetry and Prose Handbook (same for 2006)
UIL Prose Categories (same for 2006)
Prose Checklist (same for 2006)
UIL Poetry Categories (same for 2006)
Poetry Checklist (same for 2006)
4n6 website (same for 2006)
POETRY-
Finley Boyd
2. TBA
3. TBA
4. (ALT) TBA
PROSE-
Maggie Ballou
Barrett Campbell
TBA
(ALT) TBA
Narrative Film Team
TBA
TBA
TBA
Documentary Film
TBA
TBA
TBA
THEATRE (OAP)
THEATRICAL DESIGN- Check here for due dates
Theatrical Design PROMPT (NEW)
FILM-Check here for due dates
For DHS OAP information, please click HERE
Narrative Film Team
Carter Siddoway- 1st round finalist
TBA
TBA
Documentary Film
Finley Boyd
TBA
TBA
POETRY-
Andie Dobson
2. Finley Boyd
3. Miranda Shea Alternate to Region!
4. (ALT) TBA
PROSE-
Carter Siddoway- Advanced to Region
Maggie Ballou- Advanced to Region
Barrett Campbell
(ALT) TBA
Costume
Valeria Sanchez- Advanced to State
Leonel Corona
Makeup
Andie Dobson
Catherine Yurasek
Set
Jazlyn Flores
TBA
Marketing
Taylor Draper- Advanced to State
Anna Clayton
(alt) Vivian Mueller
Group
TBA
For DHS OAP information, please click HERE
*PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT OUR DISTRICT CONTEST
IS DURING THE BEGINNING OF OUR SPRING BREAK!
Granbury CLINIC DATE: Feb. 12th (late afternoon) PLACE: Argyle HS
DHS OAP CLINIC (workers)- DATE: Feb. 13, 14, & 15th (8 AM-7:30 PM) at DHS
Decatur OAP CLINIC- DATE: Feb. 14th @ 5:30-7:30 PM PLACE: Decatur HS
Decatur OAP CLINIC- DATE: Feb. 15th @ 8:30-10:30 AM PLACE: Decatur HS
OAP Clinic DATE: PLACE:
ZONE 2 7AAAA CONTEST DATE: March 8th, 2025 PLACE: Argyle High School
***THE FOLLOWING TWO DATES ARE DURING OUR SPRING BREAK***
DISTRICT 7, 4A UIL OAP Rehearsal DATE: March 15, 2025 PLACE: Argyle High School
DISTRICT 7, 4A UIL OAP CONTEST DATE: March 17, 2025 PLACE: Argyle High School
BI-DISTRICT- 4A Dist. 7 & 8 DATE: March 28-29, 2025 PLACE: Decatur High School
AREA 2- 4A Reg. I, (Dist. 5,6,7,8) DATE: April 9th & 10th, 2025 PLACE: Tarleton State University
STUDENT PERFORMANCE DATE: April 15, 2025, 8th period PLACE: Decatur HS
REGION- (4A Region I) DATE: April 22nd-23rd, 2025 PLACE: Texas Tech, Allen Theatre, Lubbock
PUBLIC PERFORMANCE DATE: May 3, 2025 PLACE: Decatur HS
STATE 4A Theatrical Design DATE: May 16th-17th, 2025 PLACE: Austin ISD PAC, 1500 Barbara Jordan, BLVD, Austin
STATE 4A- One Act Play DATE: May 19th-21st, 2025 PLACE: Austin ISD PAC, 1500 Barbara Jordan BLVD, Austin BLVD, Austin
Austin, Nov. 2nd, 2024 at UT-Austin. Workshops will be around 10 AM-2:30 PM time frame. The exact program has not been released yet.
Tentatively- Leave campus at 5:15 AM, return around 7:30 PM. Exact times will be determined after the program is released.
AGENDA (NEW)
Campus Map (NEW)
Sample Program (from TTU) to get an idea of what is offered.
Sample Presentations (from Houston) to get an idea of what is presented
Sample Presentations (from Tyler) there are more theatre related events
Thank you to all students participating in this fundraiser!
ENTRY DEADLINE: JANUARY 20, 2024 by 11:59 PM CST
Portal opens for entry on Jan 1, 2024
UIL Prose Categories (2023-2024)
UIL Poetry Categories (2023-2024)
4n6 Vault You will need our password- RENEWAL COMING SOON!
POETRY
Rylie Wilson- District Champion, Regional 4th place, Alternate to State
Andie Dobson
Mel Cochran
PROSE
Barrett Campbell- District Champion
Grace Huckabay
Isabella Rodriguez
Marketing: Torin Steil State Qualifier & Alondra Gamboa- STATE CHAMPION
Set:
Costume: Valeria Sanchez- State 5th place
Makeup:
Team:
Costumes: 5th Place
Marketing: State Champion
Marketing: top 10
UIL Hadestown Prompt (You will have access to a hardcopy)
YouTube Soundtrack (does not have the entire album)
UIL League High School Ground Plan
UIL USITT Scenic Design and Technical Production Graphic Standard
Tackling Theatrical Design: Google Slide
Hadestown: The Tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice (slime)
Hadestown: 1920's London (slime)
Hadestown: Full Performance (with cast recording)
Hadestown: A History of Defiance
We are always looking for talent for our Interpretation team! If you would like to join our team, please contact Ms. Phillips! At present, our team consists of
POETRY
Rylie Wilson- Regional Qualifier
Kayla Draper
Bradley Breece
PROSE
Torin Steil- Regional Qualifier
Macey Owens
Illyana Wooten- Regional Qualifier
Marketing- STATE QUALIFIERS- Alondra Gamboa & Torin Steil
Set- Cody & Olivia
Costume- Valeria
Makeup- Anne
Group- Anne, Trevor,
Olivia and Allie both competed with their set design at the State Theatrical Design contest in Round Rock, May 4, 2022.
Congratulations to both Olivia and Allie!
Images curtesy of Ms. Phillilps and Mrs. Gafford
For CURRENT and UPDATED DHS OAP information, please click HERE