Tuesday, September 17, 2013

TETA Communications

Darve Smith
TETA Board of Governors
Communications Chair

New to TETA?  Wondering what this organization offers and how to take advantage of those opportunities? Been a member of TETA for a while and still looking for some guidance?  Well, you've come to the right place.  As the chair of the TETA Communications Committee, I have the unique opportunity to see this organization from a different perspective and the resources to pass information on to you. 

I've been a TETA member for many years and have asked every question possible about membership, committees, dues, convention registration, workshops and much more.  I know Jenny fields hundreds of questions every year, and many of these questions are answered by simply visiting our website, this publication, or our facebook page, but information can also be found in a few active facebook groups, not administered by TETA.


If you have a facebook account, and most of us do, then you are welcome to join these groups yourself and discuss information and ideas with teachers, directors, students, administrators and others who all share the same passion for theatre that keeps you up at night during one-act season.  

Need advice on what lesson plan to teach during a testing week?  Need ideas for a fun murder mystery?  Looking for suggestions on a play that features three strong male leads and about ten females?  Need to borrow a hard-to-find prop but don't know who might have one?  Join these groups and participate.

Here is a break-down of a few helpful facebook groups and what you can find in each one.

With 550 members, this group offers a way for you to talk to your fellow Texas theatre enthusiasts about anything to do with theatre.  Swap props, script suggestions, look for costume ideas, lesson plans, lighting advice, etc.

Do you attend TheatreFest?  You should.  This group has over 300 members and is used to discuss everything about TheatreFest.  

This group has 190 members and is used to discuss SummerFest.  From planning and workshop ideas to entertainment and what is the best restaurant in the area, this is the place to discuss your SummerFest topics.

UIL One Act Play Directors - http://www.facebook.com/groups/43518988612/
This group has over 1050 current members.  I can't say that this is the answer to all your OAP woes but tons of information concerning the one-act play contest is shared here every month.

None of the groups mentioned above are owned or moderated by the TETA organization but they are all great resources for theatre educators and can be used to supplement the information you can find on our official means of communication listed below:

TETA Website - http://www.tetatx.com
Our website is currently undergoing an extensive redesign and is being moved to a different web host which will help provide for a more interactive interface by allowing members to register for membership online and eventually register and pay for our annual conventions online as well.  

TETA Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/TETATX
Our official facebook page.

Online publication maintained by TETA offering informational articles from TETA key personnel on everything from TETA meetings to planning your own dinner theatre.

The bottom line is, don't be in the dark.  The information is out there if you know where to look, and if you still don't find what you are looking for --- you can always email me directly at communications@tetatx.com.
I am more than happy to help you find whatever information you seek.