Student Design Showcase

WHO: Student Designers!

CA Thespians celebrate your creativity and talent through our Student Design Showcase!

We are looking for submissions in:

• Costume Design

• Hair/Wig Design

• Make-up Design
• Prop Design

 

WHAT: Show choice based on the Theme of ‘Capture the Moment”

You may choose one of the following shows for your design.  Please choose ONLY one!

 

She Kills Monsters (Play)– She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. 

Hairspray (Musical)– It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. 

Alice by Heart (Musical)– In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. 

 

Your application must include:

Rendering– A design rendering is a visualization of a project. We need to visualize what you are visualizing in your mind. This can be achieved in a number of different ways such as a drawing or a sketch on paper or a digital drawing. Feel free to use croquis or other templates. In some cases, a mood board works as a design rendering. Any way you are able to clearly communicate your design for others to see.  See samples

 

Design Proposal– A design proposal is an outline, plan or roadmap to completing a design project. See samples. A design proposal tells us:

• Your intentions and the scope of the project;
• The estimated budget it requires;
• Materials to be used;
• Your plan to build/complete the project;
• Your timeline for your plan to build/complete the project.

 

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I’m accepted to the Student Design Showcase, now what???

If you are accepted as a Showcase Designer, you will get a budget and timeline to create your design, to be featured during the Festival. 

 

Designs should be your own and not necessarily something we’ve seen before in the context of a production, though should fit into the world of the play.  Creation of AI designs is not allowed. This showcase is not a competition and designers may enlist friends, family and classmates to help fabricate the designs, though the design must be original to the designer. Acceptable help with craftsmanship may include sewing, painting and the use of power tools. The Student Designer should make all design decisions such as color and fabric choices, materials shopping, editing, styling etc.

 

During the months up to the Festival, you will meet a few times with the challenge coordinator via Zoom.

 

AT THE FESTIVAL:

Your completed design will be displayed in the Bridges lobby for all participants to see and enjoy.  Showcase Designers are recognized at one of the large festival events.

 

HOW: 

This opportunity is open to all California Thespians.  Attendance at State Festival is not required, though your design must be transported to State Festival to be showcased. 

 

Up to 10 applicants will be selected. 

 

APPLY HERE. Applications must be completed and submitted by Nov 30.

Coordinator: Kirsten Giard, kirsten.giard@cathespians.org

 

Updated Nov 5, 2025