Junior Thespian Festival 

California Thespian’s Junior Thespian Festival is an exciting one-day event for students in grades six through eight. Students participate in workshops throughout the day, are able to sign up for Thespys (competition pieces), and network with other schools throughout the region.

Date: Saturday, February 21st, 2026

Location:
Benton Middle School

15709 Olive Branch Dr, La Mirada, CA 90638

 

Registration tables open at 9:30 a.m. and the festival concludes at 5:30 p.m.

With questions, contact Scott.robinson@cathespians.org

 

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN BY NOV 15 – STAY TUNED!


Fees

Registration is $35.00 per student, which includes cheese pizza lunch.

There is no fee for the Theatre Teacher/Troupe Director and one chaperone.

$15.00 for each additional Chaperone.

$15.00 per Thespy (max one Thespy per student)

 

Register your Troupe today! – COMING SOON!


Workshops

Workshops selections change from year to year and can include options such as: Acting, Technical Theatre, Shakespeare, Dance, Scene study, Movement, Improv, Ensemble Work, Makeup, Costumes, Mime, Etc.


Showcase

In addition to your Jr. Thespians participating with Thespys (competition pieces), each school is allowed to bring ONE showcase piece to perform for judges.

What is a SHOWCASE piece, you ask?

It’s a 10-minute or less….WHATEVER!

Bring a short one-act!
Bring a cutting from your musical!
Bring a cutting of whatever!

We want you to share what your amazing students are up to.

Showcase pieces are adjudicated using this rubric. The top scored SHOWCASE piece will be asked to perform at “Judge’s Choice” at the end of the festival day along with the top ranked Thespys.


Thespys

Students may participate in Thespys (competition pieces) for a $15 Fee in Solo Musical, Duet Musical, Monologue, Two-Person Scene, Costume Design, Scenic Design, and Theatre Marketing.

Thespys are adjudicated using International Thespian Society’s official Thespy rubrics. 

 

California State Thespians is committed to promoting diversity on all levels. We embrace inclusive casting for every role, and fully support each student’s choice to select material that speaks to them. Race, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation should not influence the evaluation of student performances at California Thespian events and competitions. (Special consideration may be taken where race is germane to the text.)

For everything everything you need to prepare your troupe for a fantastic day.

2025 Junior Thespian Handbook

(2026 Handbook will be pubished by Nov 15)

 

CA State Jr Festival Registration

 

updated 10/21/25