Junior Thespian Festival
California Thespian’s Junior Thespian Festival is an exciting one-day event held annually for junior high and middle school students (grades six through eight). Students participate in four different workshops throughout the day, are able to sign up, perform, and receive adjudication for select Thespys (competition pieces), and both students and teachers are able to connect and network with other schools throughout the region.
Date: Saturday, February 3rd, 2024
Location:
OSCA, the Orange County School of the Arts
1010 N Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Registration tables open at 8:30 a.m. and the festival concludes at 4:30 p.m.
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 extra Chaperone.
$15.00 per Thespy
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 Acting, Musical, or Technical Theatre. Student’s adjudication will follow the National Middle School Standards. Rubrics and Resources can be found on the Event Website.
Thespys are adjudicated using these 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.
Junior Thespian Handbook
CA State Jr Festival Registration
updated 12/26/23