The Kody Hodge Foundation

01/13/2026

An Amarillo-native is doing what they love on one of the largest stages in the world. It goes to show that no dream is too big, we love to see it! 🧞‍♂️

A former Tascosa High School student is making Panhandle history, now starring on Broadway. Tevae Shoels recently made his debut in Disney’s Aladdin, bringin...

05/26/2025

Psst….Retreat to the Rockies is almost here!!! Spots are filling up FAST, so be sure to sign up today! We offer CE Credits, good food and good times! Will we see you there?

05/19/2025

Need a creative and relaxing way to get Continuing Education credits? We’ve got you!! Retreat to the Rockies is the perfect relaxing getaway while cashing in plenty of credits! Learn from the best UIL State clinicians, eat delicious gourmet food, take part in swag opportunities, and spend time in the great outdoors all in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Spots are EXTREMELY limited, so sign up today!!

05/13/2025

Presenting Ray Newburg!! We are so very excited that Ray will be joining us as a UIL Clinician this year at Retreat to the Rockies!!

Prior to coming home where he now teaches Theatre Arts, primarily production design, at Amarillo College, Ray spent 10 years in Dallas/Fort Worth and New Orleans. After completing his B.A. at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth and his M.F.A. at Tulane University in New Orleans, Ray taught for the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Wesleyan University, and Tarrant County College in Arlington. In addition, he has freelanced for the Fort Worth Theatre, Hip Pocket Theatre, Granbury Opera House, Water Tower Theatre, and Dallas Theatre Center. Ray has also had the pleasure of working with the New Orleans Opera Association as a scenic artist, and Irene Corey Design Associates (makers of the Barney® character). Currently, he freelances in Amarillo and the surrounding area as a designer and consultant for Lone Star Ballet and Parie Designs, a wedding and events company. As a performer, Ray has been seen at Amarillo College, Amarillo Summer Arts Festival, Texas Wesleyan University, Tarrant County College, Amarillo Little Theatre, and Merely Players. Additionally, he has directed numerous shows for AC, Merely Players, and Delta Psi Omega. Currently, in addition to teaching at AC, he serves as faculty sponsor for Delta Psi Omega at Amarillo College and as a critic judge and contest manager for UIL. He has previously served as the Region 6 Texas Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and as the University/College Vice President and Scholars Coordinator for Texas Educational Theatre Association. In 2004, Ray received the Teacher of the Year Award for Community Colleges from the TxETA.

Spots are limited and early bird pricing ends soon…sign up today using the link in bio!!

05/10/2025

Friends!! Only five days left to take advantage of our EARLY BIRD PRICING for Retreat to the Rockies!!! Spots are limited, sign up today to save over $200 on this incredible opportunity to grow within the theatre community!!

05/04/2025

Drum roll please… Introducing Margaret Valenta-Davis!! Margaret will be our next UIL Clinician at Retreat to the Rockies 2025!!!

Margaret Valenta-Davis holds a BFA in Drama Education from the University of Texas at Austin where she worked under Ruth Denney and an MEd from Sam Houston State University. She taught high school for 17 years and has made four appearances at the UIL State OAP contest placing 2nd twice and 3rd once. She has served as a contestant, director, contest manager and adjudicator for UIL-OAP for over 30 years. Her work has been featured in The Creative Experience on Houston’s PBS channel. Her students include: Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Mireille Enos (The Catch, The Killing, World War Z), Charlie Po***ck (Urine Town, 9 to 5, Violet, Elmer Gantry), and Eddy Steeples (My Name is Earl, Akeelah and the Bee). After leaving the classroom she worked as an administrator for Klein ISD, Humble ISD, and Houston ISD.

We are so thankful that Margaret will be joining us this year at Retreat to the Rockies!! Spots are limited and early bird pricing is almost gone…sign up today at kodyhodge.org!!!

05/02/2025

Want to learn from the best?? Sign up for RETREAT TO THE ROCKIES!! A week long escape to paradise where you’ll learn the skills it takes to make your mark in the UIL Theatre world full of gourmet food, one on one experiences, relaxation, and learning all nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Spots are limited, sign up now!!

05/01/2025

Are you tired of trying to stay awake through another boring seminar for CE hours? It's time to shake things up and become a PART of the learning process!
The Kody Hodge Foundation offers a yearly retreat for Texas theater directors looking for a hands-on way to clock in 20 professional development hours. During the retreat, participants are fully immersed in courses taught by the best respondents across the state.
The retreat takes place in beautiful Angel Fire, New Mexico, with meals provided daily and nightly social mixers. Treat yourself to an escape with a purpose! Spaces are limited, register today at www.kodyhodge.org/retreat

04/28/2025

Presenting our next UIL Clinician…Kelly Russell!!!

We are so excited and honored to say that Kelly Russell will be joining us on our 2nd annual Retreat to the Rockies!

Kelly Russell heads the Theatre Education Program at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and serves as the Director of TAMUCC’s Summer Theatre Workshop: Camp on the Coast. Kelly has been honored with four A&M Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and is a past-president of the Texas Educational Theatre Association. He was named the TETA University Educator of the Year in 2012 and recently received the TAMUCC School of Arts, Media, and Communication Award for Creative Activity. Prior to arriving at TAMUCC, Kelly taught in various Texas high schools and directed 4 one-act plays which placed 1st or 2nd at the UIL State Meet.

Sign up for RETREAT TO THE ROCKIES today to meet and take part in personalized workshops with Kelly Russell!!!

04/26/2025

Retreat to the Rockies is almost here!! If you’re looking to up your game in all things UIL, theatre, and theatre education, this is the getaway for you! Packed full of gourmet food, special moments, specialized work shops with some of the state’s TOP UIL clinicians, and relaxation all bundled into a serene week in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Even more, we are offering CE credits!! Will we see you there?

04/23/2025

Thinking of ways to spice up your Continued Education? RETREAT TO THE ROCKIES is just the place for you! Learn what it takes to be an expert in all things UIL and Theatre in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with gourmet food, beautiful views, group activities, and workshops with some of the state’s most successful UIL Clinicians! See you there!

04/13/2025

Guess Who’s coming to Retreat to the Rockies….

Alison Frost!!

Alison currently serves as a chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She’s directed over 200 plays and musicals at the professional, collegiate, and high school level- including 4 One-Acts that competed at the UIL State 5A Division. She holds an MFA in Directing from Florida State University, an M.Ed from Sam Houston State University and a BFA in Directing/Design from Baylor University. In 2016, she was awarded Outstanding University Educator from the Texas Educational Theatre Association.

We are SO honored to have her as one of our Clinicians this year, and she is sure to teach you what it takes to dominate the theatre world!!