ONE ACT guidelines
PA STATE THESPIAN CONFERENCE 2024-25
ONE ACT SHOWS
- read all of the general info and selection process on the Performance at PA ThesFest page.
Please read through the following information. We realize everyone has special circumstances, however, these rules/guidelines will be enforced and exceptions may not be possible. Always communicate with the conference host about any special needs and/or to confirm specifics within these guidelines.
In order for a Troupe to be allowed to present a One Act at the PA State Thespian Conference, a royalty payment must be paid (or waived).
Please submit the ROYALTY AFFIDAVIT FORM. This must be received no later than Nov 4th for you to be able to perform your show at the State Conference.
One Acts may provide a virtual program or at least a virtual cast list for the responders.
The State Board does not feel that it is their function to act as a censor in determining what is or what is not appropriate to perform at the State Conference. 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 the Conference, 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 conference that would not be acceptable on their own stage and that has not been performed before a home audience. In addition, where questionable language, action, or theme will be presented, a warning will be given with the program notes and play introduction.
The Board has instituted the following for Schools that present work that raises concerns....
Level 1) Written notice identifying discrepancies from your content statement and the response to performance.
Level 2) School and/or Director not allowed to perform for 4 years at conference.
Level 3) Troupe and/or Director not allowed to participate with the State Conference for 1 or 2 years.
- TIME - Shows have a 45 minute window to load in, perform and strike. That typically works out to a 10 minute load/set up, 30 minute performance and a 5 minute strike. These times can be altered, but the 45 minute total is set and must be followed.
- LOAD IN - One Acts should concentrate on acting and not on sets and other technical aspects of a show, since space and time is VERY limited.
- LIGHTING – Lighting is pretty much set and you will need to use what is provided.
- STAGE MANAGER - each One Act should have a stage manager who is able to communicate with the technical staff. One Act shows may also provide a lighting and sound technician.
- SOUND – Shows may use sound effects and music cues.
- FOLLOW SPOTS – There will not be any followspots for One Act shows.
- DRESSING ROOM – There is limited space
- RESPONDERS – After your performance, you will be responded to by our PA State Main Stage adjudicators. We suggest that your cast and crew may want to sit in on this session where you will get verbal and written feedback. This process is intended to give positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions. Most schools have found this to be a very productive and helpful feedback. Unfortunately, this does eat into your Strike time (especially if your schedule strike is tight). Some schools have people being Strike right away while part of their crew is sitting in on the responders.
ONE ACT SHOWS
- read all of the general info and selection process on the Performance at PA ThesFest page.
Please read through the following information. We realize everyone has special circumstances, however, these rules/guidelines will be enforced and exceptions may not be possible. Always communicate with the conference host about any special needs and/or to confirm specifics within these guidelines.
In order for a Troupe to be allowed to present a One Act at the PA State Thespian Conference, a royalty payment must be paid (or waived).
Please submit the ROYALTY AFFIDAVIT FORM. This must be received no later than Nov 4th for you to be able to perform your show at the State Conference.
One Acts may provide a virtual program or at least a virtual cast list for the responders.
The State Board does not feel that it is their function to act as a censor in determining what is or what is not appropriate to perform at the State Conference. 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 the Conference, 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 conference that would not be acceptable on their own stage and that has not been performed before a home audience. In addition, where questionable language, action, or theme will be presented, a warning will be given with the program notes and play introduction.
The Board has instituted the following for Schools that present work that raises concerns....
Level 1) Written notice identifying discrepancies from your content statement and the response to performance.
Level 2) School and/or Director not allowed to perform for 4 years at conference.
Level 3) Troupe and/or Director not allowed to participate with the State Conference for 1 or 2 years.
- TIME - Shows have a 45 minute window to load in, perform and strike. That typically works out to a 10 minute load/set up, 30 minute performance and a 5 minute strike. These times can be altered, but the 45 minute total is set and must be followed.
- LOAD IN - One Acts should concentrate on acting and not on sets and other technical aspects of a show, since space and time is VERY limited.
- LIGHTING – Lighting is pretty much set and you will need to use what is provided.
- STAGE MANAGER - each One Act should have a stage manager who is able to communicate with the technical staff. One Act shows may also provide a lighting and sound technician.
- SOUND – Shows may use sound effects and music cues.
- FOLLOW SPOTS – There will not be any followspots for One Act shows.
- DRESSING ROOM – There is limited space
- RESPONDERS – After your performance, you will be responded to by our PA State Main Stage adjudicators. We suggest that your cast and crew may want to sit in on this session where you will get verbal and written feedback. This process is intended to give positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions. Most schools have found this to be a very productive and helpful feedback. Unfortunately, this does eat into your Strike time (especially if your schedule strike is tight). Some schools have people being Strike right away while part of their crew is sitting in on the responders.
Revised 3/24