2020-21 Thespy Rules - expect the rules for 2021-22 to be published in August
we don't expect there to be a lot of changes to the program, so you can use this for informational purposes over the summer
"THESPYS" - INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
OpenWater upload files are limited to 25MB size. It may also be easier to post your video on youtube and share the link...(make sure the file is open to anyone with the link)
(Instructions for that are here - How to create a new YouTube channel - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1646861?hl=en
How to upload videos to YouTube - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57924?hl=en
Info about video privacy setting is here - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177
Making a video unlisted means that only people who have the link to the video can view it.
(Instructions for that are here - How to create a new YouTube channel - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1646861?hl=en
How to upload videos to YouTube - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57924?hl=en
Info about video privacy setting is here - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177
Making a video unlisted means that only people who have the link to the video can view it.
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Download and read through the information carefully and follow all rules in the Thespys Program guide 2020-21.
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Questions? Email PA's ITEA Coordinator - mmintzer@pathespians.org
1. All Thespy registration applications are due by November 1st. Only 1 entry is needed for each Thespy registration. If you are part of a duet/group, please have 1 person complete the google form as a representative for your duet/group. (You will need to submit everyone's full name and email address.)
2. Students are responsible for securing all performance rights for Acting and Music ITEAs (see below)
3. All of the Thespys will be virtual this year. Students will need to record themselves and submit and upload all of the auditions and presentations no later than December 31st. That link is HERE.
4. For Performance Thespys, you will need to record your performance. You can either upload a video of that performance or share the link to for performance in your application.
5. For Tech Thespys, you will need to create digital files of everything you are to present and instead of a live Q & A with the judges, there are questions for you to answer.
1. All Thespy registration applications are due by November 1st. Only 1 entry is needed for each Thespy registration. If you are part of a duet/group, please have 1 person complete the google form as a representative for your duet/group. (You will need to submit everyone's full name and email address.)
2. Students are responsible for securing all performance rights for Acting and Music ITEAs (see below)
3. All of the Thespys will be virtual this year. Students will need to record themselves and submit and upload all of the auditions and presentations no later than December 31st. That link is HERE.
4. For Performance Thespys, you will need to record your performance. You can either upload a video of that performance or share the link to for performance in your application.
5. For Tech Thespys, you will need to create digital files of everything you are to present and instead of a live Q & A with the judges, there are questions for you to answer.
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Open Water Application instructions
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Self Recording Tips
Video Audition Tips
Video Audition Tips
- Consider your frame (how much of your body you want to be seen). At a minimum, make sure to show inches above your head to your belly button.
- If performing a song, make sure you have a solid track to use for your accompaniment:
- Pay an accompanist to record a track for you and send you an .mp3 file. Try reaching out to your local university's music or theatre department as a start.
- Find a karaoke track online. Make sure there are no vocals on the track.
- Consider where you're placing your "scene partner." You do not need to look straight into the camera.
- You may use one straight back chair and one small table in your video; additional set pieces are not allowed.
- Find an effective filming location:
- Area should be quiet so we can hear both you and your track (if applicable).
- Film in front of a non-distracting background. If possible, choose a solid-color wall or consider hanging a sheet behind you. The color should contrast with your clothing.
- Dress neatly, in all black clothing as written in the guidelines. No costumes.
- Make sure you are lit enough to be clearly visible.
- Reminders:
- Before filming, conduct a full-volume test to make sure you can be heard (and that your track can be heard).
- Ensure your blocking is effective and visible when filmed. Consider whether to decrease your movement or to adjust your camera angle.
- Shoot your video horizontally, not vertically.
- Try multiple takes and submit your strongest.
- Watch your video both before and after uploading to ensure it's what you want to share.
- You will have two options for submitting your video:
- Upload the video file directly into the submission form from your laptop or desktop.
- Provide a URL to your video on YouTube:
- The guide to using YouTube video editor is found here
- Give your video a clear name. Consider something like First Name Last Name Troupe Number – Thespy Submission.
- Make sure the video is listed as private but check that the link will allow for open access to all adjudicators.
Preparing Your Technical Presentation
For technical presentations, students will upload portfolio samples and provide written responses.
Presenting Your Online PortfolioYou will be asked to share your portfolio as you would for an in-person presentation. Please upload the material asked for in the submission form in accordance with the program guidelines.
Questions? Email PA's ITEA Coordinator - mmintzer@pathespians.org
For technical presentations, students will upload portfolio samples and provide written responses.
Presenting Your Online PortfolioYou will be asked to share your portfolio as you would for an in-person presentation. Please upload the material asked for in the submission form in accordance with the program guidelines.
- Each of your samples should be clear and quality -- good production or process photos, or easily readable documents.
- Uploads should be well-photographed or clearly readable. Though you will be able to expand in the written response, the sample should be able to speak for itself to a certain extent.
- Think about what you would say or prepare for your in-person presentation and do your best to recreate that in this virtual setting.
- Answer each question fully and clearly:
- This is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the job/role and an opportunity for you to explain your work/process.
- Remember - your responses to these questions account for a significant portion of your final score.
- Re-read your responses before submitting.
Questions? Email PA's ITEA Coordinator - mmintzer@pathespians.org
THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING THE PERFORMANCE RIGHTS FOR ACTING AND MUSICAL ITEAs.
Securing performance rights
It is the responsibility of entrants to obtain permission for the use of copyrighted material. In certain cases, permission is not required.
Neil Simon, the rights need to be secured, in advance, EVERY time it is presented, including
Thespy adjudication(the minimum rate is $125).
Grease is not available to be used for adjudicated festivals.
o A license must be obtained for any performance of a copyrighted work, including cuttings and excerpts over 20 minutes. A brief summary of proposed cuts or scenes must be included in the appropriate section of your license request.
o The exceptions to this guide are the works of Samuel Beckett and Edward Albee. In both cases, the student must secure the rights in advance and for each time it is performed.
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Questions? Email PA's ITEA Coordinator - mmintzer@pathespians.org
Securing performance rights
It is the responsibility of entrants to obtain permission for the use of copyrighted material. In certain cases, permission is not required.
- The performance of a song from a published musical in an adjudicated category is considered a fair use, and no permission is required.
- The performance of a monologue or scene from a non-musical play at chapter conference/festival or in an adjudicated category may be subject to an agreement previously negotiated between EdTA and several major publishers. Determine the identity of the publisher (check the title page of the script or consult an internet database like findaplay.com or doollee.com), then check the following listing for the publisher’s most recent policy. If the work is published by a house not included below, an entrant must apply for a Special Rights Form (Appendix B - page 29).
- If there is an exception as noted above (e.g., Neil Simon plays), complete the appropriate sections of the Rights Application and Permission Form (Appendix C - page 30) and mail it to the publisher or leasing agent. The name and address of the publisher or agent should be in a notice of copyright published with the script.
Play Publishers- Broadway Play Publishing, Inc.: https://www.broadwayplaypub.com/performance-rights/
o All competitions require a performance-rights license except for those five minutes or under in duration for which no license is required. For competitions with a duration of greater than five minutes a standard fee of $50.00 per performance applies for full-length plays and $35.00 per performance for short plays. - Concord Theatricals (R&H Theatricals, Samuel French, Inc. Tams-Witmark, The Musical Company): https://www.concordtheatricals.com
o Monologuesandbriefexcerptsoflessthan20minutesforadjudicatedschooltheatricalfestivalsdonot require a license or other permission. If the piece is under 20 minutes, there is NO need to request or pay for a license.
- Broadway Play Publishing, Inc.: https://www.broadwayplaypub.com/performance-rights/
Neil Simon, the rights need to be secured, in advance, EVERY time it is presented, including
Thespy adjudication(the minimum rate is $125).
Grease is not available to be used for adjudicated festivals.
o A license must be obtained for any performance of a copyrighted work, including cuttings and excerpts over 20 minutes. A brief summary of proposed cuts or scenes must be included in the appropriate section of your license request.
- Dramatic Publishing Co.: http://www.dramaticpublishing.com
o ThereisnochargeforuseintheInternationalThespianExcellenceAwardsprogramatThespiannational
or chapter conferences/festivals. - Dramatists Play Service: http://www.dramatists.com
o All Dramatists Play Service properties are pre-approved for Thespian national or chapter conferences/festivals, with no written permission required and for no royalty unless the student is selected for the mainstage performance.
o The exceptions to this guide are the works of Samuel Beckett and Edward Albee. In both cases, the student must secure the rights in advance and for each time it is performed.
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- Playscripts, Inc.: https://www.playscripts.com/help/rights
o Royalties are waived for the performance of excerpts lasting less than 10 minutes at adjudicated school theatrical festivals or auditions, unless otherwise noted in the script. These performances, and only these, are automatically authorized by the playwright when you purchase books from Playscripts. (Note: Any other cuttings must receive prior approval from Playscripts.) - Smith and Kraus: http://www.smithkraus.com
o Most Smith and Kraus collections include a blanket permission statement for use. Remember, however, the piece you’re interested in performing must be found in one of these collections that include blanket permission. - Theatrefolk: www.theatrefolk.com
o Monologues and scenes/excerpts lasting 10 minutes or less taken from scripts published by Theatrefolk may be performed in any Thespian national or chapter conferences/festivals program without royalty. - YouthPLAYS: www.youthplays.com
o Royalties are waived for monologues and scenes/excerpts lasting less than 10minutes for Thespian and other adjudicated school festivals. Permission for this use only is automatically granted so long as each participant has purchased a digital or printed copy of the script through YouthPLAYS.
Questions? Email PA's ITEA Coordinator - mmintzer@pathespians.org