Thespys
Link to submit PA Thespys in Openwater
you should avoid using school email addresses since they are often rejected when we try to contact you
you should avoid using school email addresses since they are often rejected when we try to contact you
Please note...
• To participate, students must be inducted Thespians and members of an active troupe.
• Students DO NOT have to attend the State Conference in order to submit a Thespy this year.
• There are NEW rules for Approved performance materials (see this link for approved performance material).
• Students may enter 2 Thespys - they just can't be 2 of the same Thespy event. (i.e. a solo and duet musical is ok, but not 2 solo musicals)
TIMELINE
Oct 1 - Jan1: call for adjudicators and time for them to complete the adjudication training, sending certificate by Jan 1st
Dec 6: deadline for Troupe Directors to complete a google form entry for each Thespy event. Fill out the form one time for each Thespy event. If it is a duet/group entry, complete one form but list all participants' names. It is the responsibility of the student and TD to ensure that each entry meets the EDTA licensing requirements. No changes will be permitted after form has been submitted; entries that include ineligible content will not be adjudicated.
Dec 13-17: emails sent to students and TD's to confirm how to submit entries to OpenWater, and deadlines for submissions
Jan 2-4: ThesFest weekend
Jan 10th: student Thespy submissions due in Openwater
by Feb 14th: Results released, superiors announced, reported to EDTA
• To participate, students must be inducted Thespians and members of an active troupe.
• Students DO NOT have to attend the State Conference in order to submit a Thespy this year.
• There are NEW rules for Approved performance materials (see this link for approved performance material).
• Students may enter 2 Thespys - they just can't be 2 of the same Thespy event. (i.e. a solo and duet musical is ok, but not 2 solo musicals)
TIMELINE
Oct 1 - Jan1: call for adjudicators and time for them to complete the adjudication training, sending certificate by Jan 1st
Dec 6: deadline for Troupe Directors to complete a google form entry for each Thespy event. Fill out the form one time for each Thespy event. If it is a duet/group entry, complete one form but list all participants' names. It is the responsibility of the student and TD to ensure that each entry meets the EDTA licensing requirements. No changes will be permitted after form has been submitted; entries that include ineligible content will not be adjudicated.
Dec 13-17: emails sent to students and TD's to confirm how to submit entries to OpenWater, and deadlines for submissions
Jan 2-4: ThesFest weekend
Jan 10th: student Thespy submissions due in Openwater
by Feb 14th: Results released, superiors announced, reported to EDTA
PA THESPY INFO
1. All preliminary Thespy registration applications are due by December 6th. This registration must be done by the student's director. One registration is needed for each Thespy. A student may enter 2 Thespys - they just can't be 2 of the same Thespy event. (i.e. a solo and duet musical is ok, but not 2 solo musicals)
2. Students are responsible for securing all performance rights for Thespys (see this link for approved performance material) - the rules have changed this year - make sure the piece can be used!
3. All Thespys will be virtual. Students will record themselves and submit / upload the audition and presentations no later than January 10th. This is done on the OpenWater platform where the $15 (credit card) payment will be due.
4. Dress: Dress neatly in simple, modest outfits in black or dark colors. To understand styles that constitute this “business casual” tone, see these examples or search the web for “business casual for students.” No theatrical makeup is allowed. Costumes are not allowed. Students should refrain from wearing anything that might distract the judges, thus lowering their score.
5. 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. The recording needs to show the student from below their feet to above their head
6. 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.
7. In response to numerous requests, EdTA is rolling out Musical Theatre and Musical Theatre Dance rubrics totaling 20 points (instead of 24) so that the majority of rubrics align with a 20-point system.
8. The Tech Thespy guidance has been updated the “What to Prepare” section of the Rules and Rubrics. Edits were made to simplify what the Thespian must bring and to remove outmoded language or references. The guidelines also acknowledge that digital presentations are acceptable.
1. All preliminary Thespy registration applications are due by December 6th. This registration must be done by the student's director. One registration is needed for each Thespy. A student may enter 2 Thespys - they just can't be 2 of the same Thespy event. (i.e. a solo and duet musical is ok, but not 2 solo musicals)
2. Students are responsible for securing all performance rights for Thespys (see this link for approved performance material) - the rules have changed this year - make sure the piece can be used!
3. All Thespys will be virtual. Students will record themselves and submit / upload the audition and presentations no later than January 10th. This is done on the OpenWater platform where the $15 (credit card) payment will be due.
4. Dress: Dress neatly in simple, modest outfits in black or dark colors. To understand styles that constitute this “business casual” tone, see these examples or search the web for “business casual for students.” No theatrical makeup is allowed. Costumes are not allowed. Students should refrain from wearing anything that might distract the judges, thus lowering their score.
5. 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. The recording needs to show the student from below their feet to above their head
6. 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.
7. In response to numerous requests, EdTA is rolling out Musical Theatre and Musical Theatre Dance rubrics totaling 20 points (instead of 24) so that the majority of rubrics align with a 20-point system.
8. The Tech Thespy guidance has been updated the “What to Prepare” section of the Rules and Rubrics. Edits were made to simplify what the Thespian must bring and to remove outmoded language or references. The guidelines also acknowledge that digital presentations are acceptable.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
Race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, body type, and/or disability should not influence an adjudicator’s evaluation of a Thespian. Thespians are encouraged to choose material that speaks to them as long as all copyright rules are followed. For example, a Thespian may play a role of any gender, regardless of the gender with which the student identifies. However, it is important to note that all copyright rules are to be enforced. The Thespian cannot change pronouns in the script without the express written consent from the rights holder.
Deaf and hard of hearing Thespians may use a conductor (adult or student) in Musical Theatre Performance and Dance categories to guide tempo. Visit the category pages at Thespys.org to view a revised rubric for this instance.
If a Thespian has a question or concern about the adjudication process as it relates to DEIA, or if a participant attending the final round of adjudication at ITF requires an accommodation, please email [email protected].
Questions? Email [email protected]
Race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, body type, and/or disability should not influence an adjudicator’s evaluation of a Thespian. Thespians are encouraged to choose material that speaks to them as long as all copyright rules are followed. For example, a Thespian may play a role of any gender, regardless of the gender with which the student identifies. However, it is important to note that all copyright rules are to be enforced. The Thespian cannot change pronouns in the script without the express written consent from the rights holder.
Deaf and hard of hearing Thespians may use a conductor (adult or student) in Musical Theatre Performance and Dance categories to guide tempo. Visit the category pages at Thespys.org to view a revised rubric for this instance.
If a Thespian has a question or concern about the adjudication process as it relates to DEIA, or if a participant attending the final round of adjudication at ITF requires an accommodation, please email [email protected].
Questions? Email [email protected]