Thespys are Performance and Technical categories open to all Thespians! Present your best work, and be considered for state-level recognition and eligibility to present at the International Thespian festival, all while receiving specific and individualized feedback!
Freshmen and sophomores may compete in one category, and juniors and seniors may compete in one or two different categories. Playwriting does NOT count towards your 1-2 category limit, so feel free to submit your script for that Thespy and for Playworks consideration!
All EdTA rules must be followed, including those for slating, dress code, and sets/props. Be sure to read the rules for your specific category carefully (linked in the table below).
** NEW IN 2026 **
- All Performance Thespys, except dance and ensemble categories, will be submitted virtually and evaluated online by professional adjudicators from the theatre industry. Students will be able to see their feedback in Open Water, and students who receive a Superior rating (determined by average) will be invited to perform and receive adjudication again in-person at the Festival. This adjudication will be for purposes of mainstage performance and Judge’s Choice – a Superior received in the first round is official and qualifies an entry for International, regardless of scoring at CSTF!
- Tech Thespys will be submitted virtually and evaluated online by professional adjudicators. Playwriting, and Short Film will continue to be adjudicated online.
- All dance and ensemble categories (acting and musical) will be presented in person at the festival. Students must still fill out a Thespy submission form with title information to reserve their in-person presentation slot.
- Monologues are separated into two categories: Monologue which is one monologue presented in 3 minutes, and Contrasting Monologues which will be two contrasting monologues presented in 3 minutes. These will be online submissions.
Thespy Adjudication: Performers & presenters receive written feedback from adjudicators using the rubrics on the webpages linked on the next page. Performance Thespys, Technical/Design Thespys, Short Film, and Playwriting will be adjudicated online before the State Festival, and scores and feedback will be released during February 2026. Categories that receive a Superior ranking – will be scheduled to present their Thespy at the State Festival, where they will receive another round of feedback unless there is an overwhelming winner. Remember that dance and ensemble categories will be presented in person this year.
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Students who receive an overall Superior rating are invited to the next round of Thespys at the International Thespian Festival. An overall Superior rating is achieved when the average of all adjudicators’ scores on an entry is in the Superior point range for that category.
Thespy Content: Please see the EdTA Page on Rights & Licensing for guidance, and for a list of pre-approved publishers and titles! Only pre-approved titles will be accepted.
**NEW IN 2026** If you are petitioning to EdTA to perform your piece with a title that is not on the approved list, you must submit this form Additional Title Proof From International Form no later than December 1, 2025. This form is to be submitted only after you have submitted to EdTA and gotten approval for that title through that organization. After that date the form will be closed and no other unapproved titles will be allowed even if you have submitted to EdTA and have approval.
Some outstanding Thespy performances may be invited to perform on the mainstage. If you are interested in performing the mainstage, you must follow Guidelines for Mainstage Content.
Performance Thespy submissions that relate to the Festival theme will be considered for inclusion in the Festival Finale. To have your Thespy considered for Festival Finale, click the box at the bottom of the Thespy submission form.
| Thespy Category | Time Limit & Notes |
| Monologue (submit online by Jan 31) | 3 minutes to present one monologue |
| Contrasting Monologues
(submit online by Jan 31) |
3 minutes to present two monologues |
| 2-Person Acting
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5 minutes to present 1 Scene |
| Ensemble Acting (in person) | 5 minutes to present 1 Scene |
| Musical Theatre Performance
(solo and duet) (submit online by Jan 31) |
5 minutes to present 1 Song |
| Musical Theatre Ensemble (in person) | 5 minutes to present 1 Song |
| Musical Theatre Dance
(solo, duet, and ensemble) (in person) |
5 minutes to present 1 Dance |
| Thespy Category (cont.) | Time Limit & Notes |
| Short Film (submit online by Jan 31) | 5 minutes + 1 minute for credits |
| Playwriting (submit online by Jan 31) | The play must be 20 minutes or fewer (approx. 20 typed pages) |
| Costume Construction
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Costume Design
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Lighting Design
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Makeup Design
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Props Construction
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Scenic Design
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Sound Design
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Stage Management
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
| Theatre Marketing
(submit online by Jan 31) |
5-8 minute presentation
4 minute Q&A will be in live callbacks only |
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Thespys (continued)
Fee: $40 per Thespy entry (not per student)
Limit on Entries: Thespys are open to inducted Thespians.
- Freshmen & Sophomores may enter 1 Playwriting Thespy and 1 other category.
- Juniors & Seniors may enter 1 Playwriting Thespy and up to 2 other, different categories.
- No individual may enter the same category twice.
How to Enter:
- Due Dec 1: If you are petitioning to EdTA to perform your piece with a title that is not on the approved list, you must submit this form Additional Title Proof From International Form
- Due Jan 31: Troupe Directors add their troupe’s total number of entries to their troupe’s registration.
- The entry fee(s) will be added to your troupe’s registration invoice.
- Due Jan 31: Each Thespy entry (not each participant) must submit the following via the Thespy Submission Form:
- Titles for Musical Theatre Dance, Ensemble Acting, and Ensemble Musical Theatre
- Complete entries for all other categories
- On site at CSTF: in person Thespys and callbacks
Please note:
-
- A Thespy submission form is required for EACH THESPY ENTRY (not each person)
- Rights clearance is required for Acting, Musical Theatre, and Musical Theatre Dance. If your title is ineligible due to rights clearance, your piece can still be adjudicated, but will not be eligible for Superior consideration. If you have any questions or need assistance in confirming that the rights to your piece are available, please email michele.richardson@cathespians.org directly for help!
- **New in 2026** No additional title permissions will be allowed after December 1, 2025 and no change of titles will be allowed after you have submitted your Thespys.
- **New in 2026** No Thespy presenters or performers may be changed after Jan 31 for any reason.
Coordinator: Michele Richardson, Michele.Richardson@cathespians.org
Updated Nov 5, 2025