Answers to common questions can be found here and/or in the Official Thespy Rulebook.
How do I present my Thespy entry in the final round of adjudication?
The final round of adjudication in the Thespys is conducted both in-person and digitally. Qualified Finalists who are attending the International Thespian Festival (ITF) will present their Thespy entry to a panel of adjudicators on campus at Indiana University Bloomington (except for participants in the Playwriting and Short Film categories, who must submit their work digitally ahead of ITF regardless of whether they are attending in person).
Students unable to attend ITF in person may register for digital Thespy adjudication, conducted virtually.
Please refer to the official Thespys Rulebook for a comprehensive list of submission rules and procedures and see below for tips on optimizing your digital entry to get the best feedback and scores.
What guidelines should I follow when filming a digital performance entry?
Preparing for Filming:
- In Musical Theatre Performance categories, the quality of the video and sound are an important aspect of your entry so the adjudicators can see and hear you clearly. To help ensure your entry is of the best quality, use a high-quality karaoke or backing track. (Remember, no vocals are permitted on the track, so be sure it is accompaniment-only.) You may also have your music recorded by an accompanist.
- Rehearse often so that your performance is as polished as can be.
- Find an effective filming location in a quiet area so adjudicators can hear both you and your track (if applicable). Before filming, conduct a full-volume test to make sure you and your track (if applicable) can be heard in the recording. Microphones are acceptable to improve audio quality, provided that they are worn and not handheld. Be sure any mic packs and wires are securely attached and do not distract from the performance – for you or the adjudicators.
- Ensure your background is not distracting. If possible, choose a solid-color wall or consider hanging a sheet behind you. The color of your background should contrast with your clothing so the adjudicators can clearly see you.
- Dress simply and professionally, as indicated in the rulebook. No costumes or theatrical makeup are allowed.
During Filming:
- Depending on whether you’re performing solo, in a duet, or as part of a group, you may use the allotted number of chairs or a table as indicated in the official rulebook.
- Make sure your entire body is visible in the frame, including your feet. The adjudicators need to be able to see your full body in order to accurately adjudicate your blocking choices.
- Film the video horizontally (in landscape orientation) rather than vertically (portrait orientation) and ensure your blocking is entirely visible on camera.
- If performing a solo, choose a specific focal point for your off-camera “scene partner.” You do not need to look straight into the camera, but you should have clear focal points, just like when performing on stage.
- Shoot in a single take to replicate an in-person performance as much as possible.
After Filming:
- Watch your video both before and after uploading to ensure it’s what you want to submit.
- Do not edit your video by combining multiple takes. Do not cut between the introduction and the performance. Likewise, no text or special effect should be added. Any editing of the performance may result in a disqualification.
- Upload your video to a file sharing platform (Google Drive, Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) and select the appropriate privacy settings (“unlisted” or “public”) so that it is visible to the adjudicators. You will need to provide the link to this shared video in your Thespy adjudication form. Give your video a clear title that contains your first and last name.
What guidelines should I follow when filming a digital technical entry?
You will be asked to share your support materials as you would for an in-person presentation. Please upload the material required in the adjudication form in accordance with the rules for your category.
- Uploads should be well-photographed or clearly readable. Though you will be able to expand on these materials in your video presentation, the samples should be able to speak for themselves to a certain extent.
- It is recommended to combine all the support materials into a single PDF document that the adjudicators can read like an actual binder or portfolio. For photo uploads (i.e., renderings or costume construction photos) use common file types like JPG, PDF, PNG (avoid HEIC).
In addition to your portfolio, you will be asked to submit a filmed video presentation. Think of this like you would an in-person interview. What would you prepare or say if you were showcasing your work in front of a panel of adjudicators?
- This is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the job/role and to explain your work/process.
- Remember, your explanation accounts for a significant portion of your adjudication. Consider writing an outline or a script for yourself so you don’t miss any elements that would affect your score. And check out the category-specific questions provided in each category’s rules – though the adjudicators can’t ask you follow-up questions as they can in person, you can address many of the topics usually covered in the Q&A up front in your presentation.
- Share your portfolio as you would for an in-person presentation. Presentations may be verbal or visual in format (the Thespian may speak, display a video that presents their material, or let their support materials describe their process fully; in the latter case, the support materials would need to be thorough enough to allow the adjudicators to understand all required components of the category).
- Watch your video both before and after uploading to ensure it’s what you want to submit.
- Upload your video to a file sharing platform (Google Drive, Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) and select the appropriate privacy settings (“unlisted” or “public”) so that it is visible to the adjudicators. You will need to provide the link to this shared video in your Thespy adjudication form. Give your video a clear title that contains your first and last name.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, in the final round of Thespy adjudication, you may submit entries for any approved Thespy category for which you received a Superior overall rating at a qualifying event. You may not submit multiple entries in the same category. Note that some chapters may not be able to accommodate multiple entries per student at their qualifying events. You must adhere to your chapter’s rules when participating in a Qualifying Event. You may be eligible to participate in EdTA’s Alternate Qualifying Event in additional categories in some cases.
May a Thespian perform a role of any gender in Thespy performance adjudications?
A Thespian may pick a role of any gender regardless of their own gender identity or the sex which was assigned to them at birth. Thespians are encouraged to choose material that speaks to them as long as they abide by copyright laws. For example, the Thespian cannot change the pronouns of the character or alter words in the script without the express written consent from the rights holder. EdTA understands that some states and school districts have policies and rules that limit students’ choice of material for public performance, and in such cases, we encourage you to speak with your theatre educator and make a decision that is best suited for your circumstance.
How are the Thespy Award winners selected?
Thespy Awards are given to the highest-scoring entries in each category, based on evaluations from a panel of adjudicators. Winners must receive either:
- A perfect score from all adjudicators, or
- The highest average score in their category (including ties, if applicable)
There is no limit to the number of winners in any category.