ONE ACT GUIDELINES
PA THESFEST 2025-26 MYSTERY AT THE MASQUERADE
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Legal and Financial Responsibilities for Performing Schools
Troupes are responsible for all costs associated with bringing a show to present at ThesFest. ANY changes you wish to make to the script (lines, casting, etc) MUST have been requested through the publishing company, and that permission letter must be sent to the Chapter Director by October 17, 2025 or you will not be permitted to perform.

For a troupe to be allowed to present a Main Stage show at ThesFest, a royalty payment must be paid (or waived). Please submit the ROYALTY AFFIDAVIT FORM. This must be received no later than October 17, 2025
for you to be able to perform your show at ThesFest.  

One-Act Stage shows may provide a virtual program for Eventsential. One-Act directors will also submit a Google Form with summary information that will be uploaded to Eventsential and used for responders.

The State Board does not feel that it is its function to act as a censor in determining what is or is not appropriate to perform at ThesFest. We are aware that what is acceptable in one school district may be found totally inappropriate in another. Therefore, we ask that directors consider carefully the language and content of anything they plan to perform at ThesFest, remembering that we are mainly composed of knowledgeable, but impressionable, students ages 13 and up, with a thirst for quality theatre. A troupe should not perform anything at ThesFest that would not be acceptable on their own stage and that has not been performed before a home audience. In addition, where questionable language, actions, production choices, or themes will be presented, a warning will be given within the program notes and play introduction. 

The Board has instituted the following measures for troupes that present work that raises undisclosed concerns....
Level 1) Written notice identifying discrepancies from your content statement and performance choices.
Level 2) School and/or Director not allowed to perform for 4 years at ThesFest.
Level 3) Troupe and/or Director not allowed to participate with the PA ThesFest for 1 or 2 years.
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GENERAL LOGISTIC INFORMATION For MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCES

- MOVE IN - There is a (strict) 45 minutes move-in/setup time for your show. This usually breaks down into a 10-minute load-in, 30-minute performance, and 5-minute load-out.  Performing schools may adjust the time they spend on accordingly, but may NOT use more than the allotted 45 minute time span. **See the specific PARKLAND LOGISTICS PACKET for information on the exterior load-in doors and truck requirements.
 
- LOAD IN - There is a small scene shop in which to unload set, costumes, props, etc. prior to moving onto the stage and outdoor space in the parking lot.  One-Acts performing on the main auditorium stage should enter through the loading dock.  One-Acts performing in the Black Box theatre will load through the doors directly into the theatre.  Please note that your load-in time will be communicated to you and will be determined by the schedule of ThesFest and the host facility. This has proven a challenge when trucks arrive at ThesFest on their schedule and not ThesFest's schedule. TRUCKS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE INTO THE LOADING AREA UNTIL THEIR ASSIGNED TIMES. You need to make arrangements with your truck driver to be available several hours before your production and then after your production for load out. 

- STRIKE – YOUR SCHOOL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LEAVING THE HOST SCHOOL IN PRISTINE CONDITION AFTER YOUR TEMPORARY USE OF THEIR SPACES. Your truck must be available to reload during your Strike. Please plan on taking your set back to your home school to dispose of it. What comes with you, returns with you!
 
- LIGHTING – A general lighting plot will be set up by the host school, and performing schools will need to use what is provided- *See the logistics packet for specific information. Rehanging or moving of lights will not be possible in either location for One-Acts.  A general lighting plot will be utilized. Performing schools using the main stage will control the lights from the booth. In the Black Box Theatre, there will be a small lighting board to control 5-7 lights in that space. See the PARKLAND LOGISTICS PACKET for more information

- RIGGING –  The fly system will not be available to schools performing One-Acts. 
 
- TECH PERSONNEL – It is your responsibility to supply the tech personnel to load in, set up, run, strike, and load out your show. The ThesFest TD will be backstage for questions and guidance, and to assist with host school facilities, but they should not be considered part of your setup crew. 
 
- SOUND – Performing schools on the main stage will have access to 4-6 wireless microphones. Sound cues or music will be played from computers through a DI box.  There are no wireless mics needed for the Black Box Theatre. Sound cues or music can be played through a wireless/Bluetooth connection to a speaker in the space. 
 

ADJUDICATION AND RESPONDERS

- RESPONDERS – After your performance, performing schools will be responded to by our PA State Main Stage responders. We suggest that your cast and crew sit in on this session to receive verbal and written feedback. This process is intended to give positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions. Most schools have found this to be very productive and helpful feedback. Please strike first and then report to your responder session.

- CHAPTER SELECT- Schools that wish to be adjudicated for Chapter Select will need to disclose that information prior to the conference while registering.  Please see the ​Chapter Select page of the website for more information on this process. 

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Revised  9/2025