The 2026-2027 PA Thespian State Conference will take place at Altoona Area High School from December 4-6, 2027. Registration for the conference is due on 10/5/2026.

Join Us!

2026-2027

PA THESPIAN FESTIVAL

INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION

Click HERE for Individual Registration

This google form should only be completed by adults who are not affiliated with a troupe's registration-- Workshop presenters, college reps and their students, etc. - anyone 18 or over who will be attending in person. This is how we will account for everyone completing the Trak-1 background checks, receiving a name badge, and all other conference logistics.

If you are travelling as a troupe chaperone/director - your information will be received with the TROUPE registration process, and this separate form is not needed. For all other adults not with a troupe, it is.

CONSENT AND ACCEPTANCE FORMS

Click HERE for Forms

This form must be completed by all delegates - adults and students. Troupe directors should collect these forms and all necessary signatures in advance. Scan all documents together as one file and send via email to chapterdirector@pathespians.org no later than December 12th.

Troupe directors should have a hard copy in their possession at all times during fesitval, and each delegate should have a hard copy folded and inserted into the back of their name badge -so that information can be accessed immediately in the event of an emergency.

REGISTRATION FEES

Click HERE for Registration Packet/Info

Registration fees include access to all on-site performances and activities, three workshop sessions, a t-shirt, and several meals (Friday dinner, Saturday lunch & dinner, Sunday lunch).

Students: Inducted Thespians - $110. Not yet inducted - $125. State Thespian Officers - $0.
Adults: Chaperones - $75. Troupe Director (1 per troupe) - $0.

Late fees of $20 per person will apply for any registrations/changes received after the deadline.

REGISTRATION

Over the course of the weekend, students will participate in various workshops (in areas of performance and technical theatre), compete in a variety of individual and group events and activities, audition for scholarships from colleges & universities, and visit with college representatives and theatrical vendors. Students can also view 4 full-length Main Stage Performances and 15 One-Act shows.

At this large festival geared towards high school students, we aim to keep our costs as low as possible so that we can offer an equitable experience to all. Overall, it is an extremely exciting weekend where students and educators from across the state can share their common love for the theatre arts. The festival also allows adults the chance to network with other theatre teachers and gain valuable, practical information on how to improve theatre at their own schools.

Showcase your ORGANIZATION

ADMINISTRATOR AWARD

Nominations for PA Thespian Administrator Award may be submitted by any Troupe Director.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.

Deadline: October 12, 2026.

HONOR TROUPE APPLICATION

The Pennsylvania Thespian Honor Troupe Recognition Program recognizes those troupes that achieve a high level of excellence both on stage and off.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.

Deadline: October 31, 2026.

STO APPLICATION

Students interested in serving as a Student Thespian Officer for the following conference year may submit an application for the interview process.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.

CHAPTER SELECT

As a condition of presenting a one-act production for Chapter Select at the Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference (ThesFest), each troupe must confirm full compliance with the Chapter Select Guidelines & Checklist requirements as established by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THESE GUIDELINES.

PA Conference EVENTS

THESPYS

Inducted Thespians from active troupes may submit Thespys as part of the PA Chapter Qualifying Events. Students who earn a Superior will receive an invite to the final round of Thespy adjudication to be held at ITF in June.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE THESPY PROCESS.

WORKSHOPS

Students attending the conference will have the opportunity to register for Workshops presented by Troupe Directors, Collegiate Reps, and visiting Artists and Technicians. We need workshop presenters for this process.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON WORKSHOPS AND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND JUNIOR SHOWCASE

Senior students may register to audition for both performance and technical scholarships to be awarded at conference. Junior students may register for the student showcase to practice this process and gain valuable time with collegiate representatives.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS AND TO REGISTER.

TECHNICAL CHALLENGE AND EVENTS

There are several additional events that students can register for at conference: Technical Challenge, Improv Pairs, Hair and Makeup Challenge, and NEW THIS YEAR, Mannequin Costume Challenge. Registration for these events is included in the Registration Packet.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON RULES and GUIDELINES.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

We invite Colleges and Universities to attend the PA Thespian Conference in person, however, there is also a virtual option. There are several ways that you can engage with our delegates & have a presence at ThesFest as Sponsors, Scholarship Observers, Workshop Presenters, and Table Representatives.

Click here for more information!