{"id":1839,"date":"2015-10-22T01:05:00","date_gmt":"2015-10-22T01:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/thespian-nation-2\/"},"modified":"2025-11-05T22:43:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T22:43:40","slug":"thespys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/thespys\/","title":{"rendered":"Thespys"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Thespys<\/strong> are Performance and Technical categories open to all Thespians!\u00a0 Present your best work, and be considered\u00a0 for state-level recognition and eligibility to present at the International Thespian festival, all while receiving specific and individualized feedback!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freshmen and sophomores may compete in <\/span><b>one <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">category, and juniors and seniors may compete in <\/span><b>one or two different categories. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Playwriting does NOT count towards your 1-2 category limit, so feel free to submit your script for that Thespy and for Playworks consideration!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 (<\/span><b>linked in the table below).<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>** NEW IN 2026 **<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Performance Thespys, except dance and ensemble categories, will be submitted virtually and evaluated online by professional adjudicators from the theatre industry.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 This adjudication will be for purposes of mainstage performance and Judge&#8217;s Choice &#8211; a Superior received in the first round is official and qualifies an entry for International, regardless of scoring at CSTF!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tech Thespys will be submitted virtually and evaluated online by professional adjudicators. Playwriting, and Short Film will continue to be adjudicated online.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0 These will be online submissions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Thespy Adjudication: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performers &amp; presenters receive written feedback from adjudicators using the rubrics on the webpages linked on the next page. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 &#8211; 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(continued on next page)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019 scores on an entry is in the Superior point range for that category.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Thespy Content: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please see the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rights-and-licensing\/?_gl=1*e85c92*_ga*MjUwNDMzNjQ1LjE3MjQ1MTI2ODY.*_ga_M1QY898KBK*MTczMTE5MDk1Ny41LjAuMTczMTE5MDk1Ny42MC4wLjA.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EdTA Page on Rights &amp; Licensing<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for guidance, and for a list of pre-approved publishers and titles! Only pre-approved titles will be accepted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>**NEW IN 2026**<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/xGqJqPsxpR4Dudak9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Title Proof From International Form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> no later than December 1, 2025.\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some outstanding Thespy performances may be invited to perform on the mainstage. If you are interested in performing the mainstage, you must follow<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1sqfxcMq6y-czHOcVNlX49ePR7DChwDhZ7zctBw-KEZc\/edit?pli=1#heading=h.wladmnu35n8h\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidelines for Mainstage Content.<\/span><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Thespy Category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Time Limit &amp; Notes<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/acting\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monologue<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 minutes to present one monologue<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/acting\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrasting Monologues<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 minutes to present two monologues<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/acting\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-Person Acting<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 minutes to present 1 Scene<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/acting\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensemble Acting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (in person)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 minutes to present 1 Scene<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/musical-theatre-performance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musical Theatre Performance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(solo and duet)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 minutes to present 1 Song<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/musical-theatre-performance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musical Theatre Ensemble<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (in person)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 minutes to present 1 Song<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/musical-theatre-dance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musical Theatre Dance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(solo, duet, and ensemble)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(in person)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 minutes to present 1 Dance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Thespy Category <\/b><b><i>(cont.)<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Time Limit &amp; Notes<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/short-film\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short Film<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 minutes + 1 minute for credits<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/playwriting\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Playwriting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The play must be 20 minutes or fewer (approx. 20 typed pages)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/costume-construction\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costume Construction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/costume-design\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costume Design<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a04 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/lighting-design\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lighting Design<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/makeup-design\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Makeup Design<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/props-construction\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Props Construction\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/scenic-design\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scenic Design<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/sound-design\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sound Design<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/stage-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage Management<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/schooltheatre.org\/thespys\/rules-and-rubrics\/theatre-marketing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theatre Marketing<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(submit online by Jan 31)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8 minute presentation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 minute Q&amp;A will be in live callbacks only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(continued on next page)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Thespys <\/b><b><i>(continued)<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Fee: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$40 per Thespy entry (not per student)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Limit on Entries: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thespys are open to inducted Thespians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freshmen &amp; Sophomores may enter 1 Playwriting Thespy and 1 other category.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juniors &amp; Seniors may enter 1 Playwriting Thespy and up to 2 other, different categories.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No individual may enter the same category twice.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How to Enter:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/xGqJqPsxpR4Dudak9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Title Proof From International Form<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due Jan 31: Troupe Directors add their troupe\u2019s total number of entries to their troupe\u2019s registration.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The entry fee(s) will be added to your troupe\u2019s registration invoice.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due Jan 31: Each Thespy entry (not each participant) must submit the following via the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/edta-chapter-events.secure-platform.com\/a\/organizations\/California\/solicitations\/1299\/home\"><b>Thespy Submission Form<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Titles for Musical Theatre Dance, Ensemble Acting, and Ensemble Musical Theatre<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete entries for all other categories<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On site at CSTF: in person Thespys and callbacks\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Thespy submission form is required for EACH THESPY ENTRY (not each person)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rights clearance is required for Acting, Musical Theatre, and Musical Theatre Dance.\u00a0 If your title is ineligible due to rights clearance, your piece can still be adjudicated, but will not be eligible for Superior consideration.\u00a0 If you have any questions or need assistance in confirming that the rights to your piece are available, please email <\/span><a href=\"mailto:michele.richardson@cathespians.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">michele.richardson@cathespians.org <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">directly for help!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>**New in 2026**<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>**New in 2026** <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No Thespy presenters or performers may be changed after Jan 31 for any reason.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Coordinator: <\/b><a href=\"mailto:michele.richardson@cathespians.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-rich-links=\"{&quot;per_n&quot;:&quot;Michele Richardson&quot;,&quot;per_e&quot;:&quot;michele.richardson@cathespians.org&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;person&quot;}\">Michele Richardson<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"mailto:Michele.Richardson@cathespians.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michele.Richardson@cathespians.org<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Updated Nov 5, 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thespys are Performance and Technical categories open to all Thespians!\u00a0 Present your best work, and be considered\u00a0 for state-level recognition and eligibility to present at the International Thespian festival, all while receiving specific and individualized feedback! Freshmen and sophomores may &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/thespys\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1839"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1839"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1839\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2416,"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1839\/revisions\/2416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cetoweb.org\/cst_festival\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}