The UIL One-Act Play is a district-wide theatre competition where middle schools across Denton ISD perform a short play to showcase acting, teamwork, and stagecraft.

Each school has:

• 7 minutes to set up

• Up to 40 minutes to perform

• 7 minutes to strike the set

We compete against eight other schools in two rounds: Zone and District. Schools advancing from Zone perform again at District, where judges rank the top three productions as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

While it is a competition, the focus is educational — fostering appreciation for quality theatre, sportsmanship, creativity, and professionalism. Students also learn the process of “traveling a show,” performing in a new space with limited setup time.

The UIL One-Act Play contest encourages students to:

• Appreciate and produce quality theatre

• Compete with sportsmanship and creativity

• Learn to win and lose graciously

• Build lifelong interest in the arts

• Experience teamwork, confidence, and real-world theatre practice while representing RMS with pride

In September of 1847, Edgar Allan Poe is reported to have boarded a steamer in Baltimore Harbor for an overnight voyage to New York City. He never arrived. Five days later, Poe was found delirious on a Baltimore street and died soon thereafter. What transpired over those five missing days has remained forever a mystery... until now. This imaginative play, utilizing the macabre stories and poems of one of America's most celebrated writers, ponders what might have happened to him on the dreary nightmare voyage at the end of his life. Filled with masterful illusions and disappearances. Nevermore! keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from the first curtain to the final denouement.

Students MUST:

• Complete the Audition Form

• Sign up for a Time Slot

• Select one of the provided monologues (below)

• Memorize it completely

• Perform it for the judging panel during their audition time

• Answer three interview questions

  • What does being part of the UIL One-Act Play company mean to you?

  • What strengths do you bring to the team?

  • What weaknesses or areas of improvement might affect the team?

Judges evaluate:

• Characterization

• Physicality

• Voice & Diction

• Emotional Connection

• Listening & Reaction

• Ensemble Work

• Overall Effectiveness

The interview  questions help the panel understand your teamwork, self-awareness, and professionalism. Please be honest and authentic — we’re looking for reflection, not perfection.

• Jan 26–30: Tech Week Dress Rehearsals (RMS)

• Feb 2: Public Performance (RMS)

• Feb 4: UIL Zone Contest (Denton HS)

• Feb 7: UIL District Contest (Denton HS if advanced)

• Feb 13: Tech Rehearsal (Braswell HS)

• Feb 14: UIL Invitational Contest (Braswell HS)

Attendance is required at all dates. Do not audition if you have unavoidable conflicts.

• 16 acting roles

• 4 technical crew positions

• 4 alternate roles

Due to UIL company-size restrictions, some actors may also assist backstage (lights, haze machine, quick changes, sound, etc.).

Not all students who audition will be selected. Casting decisions are based on acting choices, clarity, confidence, collaboration, and storytelling — not grade level or prior experience.

Judging Panel

• Mr. Weaver – RMS Theatre Director

• Ms. Darragh – RMS Counselor

• Mr. Davis – RMS ELA Teacher

• Mrs. Sager – RMS Choir Director

• Mr. Rogers – Braswell HS Theatre Director