Responders

PA Thespians wants all performing schools to receive quality feedback on their shows from theatre educators in all fields. For those new to the role, a responder is an adult who watches a performance with the aim of helping the students in the production recognize their specific strengths, as well as their points of growth for their next show.  This includes both performance and technical aspects of the show. Responders can be troupe directors or other qualified theatre educators/adults. 

Please email respondercoordinator@pathespians.org to participate. Once you contact the responder coordinator, you will receive an email with information and be assigned to respond to a show.

Responders must be able to commit to watch the entire show AND meet with the cast, crew, and adult advisors immediately after the performance, in most cases. Your in-person response will be at an appointed time during the conference. Ensure your troupe will have another chaperone available to your students during the time you will be responding.

*If a school has requested to be adjudicated for Chapter Select, your evaluation will be part of their qualification to participate in the International Thespian Festival this summer.

At Conference, it is very important that you do the following:

• Check in with the Responder Coordinator(s) at the main registration desk when you arrive.

• On the day of your assigned show, come to the main registration desk again with plenty of time before the show begins to pick up your Responder clipboard and forms.

• Please sit in the venue in which your show is assigned at least five minutes before the scheduled start time, indicate that you are in the audience when asked by the STO, note where the other responders are, watch the performance, and take constructive notes.

• Immediately after the show concludes, meet with the other responders to quickly decide on an All-Star Cast member, and then meet with the cast & crew of your assigned show in the designated room to share your impressions with the entire production team.

• After the meeting, please return the clipboard and all forms to the registration desk.

• At the end of the Conference, your completed forms will be forwarded to the director of the production so they can review your written notes with their students.

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