2026 One-Act Play

WHAT IS IT?

One-Act Play (OAP) is an academic theatre competition governed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL). Each year, over 1,000 Texas high schools participate statewide, making it one of the largest and most structured theatre competitions in the country.

McAllen High School competes in Conference 5A, meaning our One-Act Play company is evaluated against other large 5A high schools from across the state. Schools advance through multiple levels of competition—zone, district, bi-district, area, region, and state—based on adjudication by accredited UIL theatre judges.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SHOWS?

One-Act Play operates under strict UIL rules that govern nearly every aspect of production, including:

• Company size and student eligibility

• Performance length (40 minutes)

• Set-up and strike time limits (7 minutes)

• Scenic, lighting, sound, and prop restrictions

• Prohibited materials, effects, and staging practices

Because of these regulations, all design and performance choices must be intentional, efficient, and compliant. There is no flexibility once a contest begins.

WHO IS ABLE TO BE IN THE PRODUCTION?

Anyone at McHi can audition.  However, due to UIL limits and the process's intensity, participation is selective. Only a limited number of students may be part of the official One-Act Play company, and placement is based on readiness, responsibility, and the specific demands of the selected play.

Students are chosen only if they demonstrate the ability to maintain strong academic performance while participating in rigorous extracurricular commitments. Because One-Act Play involves extensive rehearsal, travel, and competition time, students must consistently manage their coursework, attendance, and responsibilities both in and out of the classroom.

One-Act Play is McAllen High School Theatre’s most rigorous and exclusive production, designed for students prepared to work at a high level under real competitive conditions.