The Michigan Educational Theatre Association

in conjunction with

presents the

Michigan Thespian Festival

(Director’s Handbook for 2016)Friday, December 2 & Saturday, December 3, 2016

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Table of Contents3….…..Welcome

4-5.…..Delegate Information

5-6……Performances

6-7……Production Guidelines

7………Workshops

7-10.....Individual Events

10……..Exhibitors, Dance, Showcase & Closing Ceremonies

11-13….Thespian Scholarship Competition

14-16.....College Scholarship Competition

17….......(Sample) Festival Schedule

18-19.....Registration Information

19-20.....Locations of Festival

21-22 ….Travel and Arrival/Departure

23-25…..Hotel Information

26-27.….Security, Rules and Expectations

28……....Michigan Youth Arts

29……… A Listing of Festival Forms

31..…..… Blank Page

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Each year the Michigan Educational Theatre Association (META) hosts a two-day Theatre Festival for high school teachers and their students. The event is packed with individual events competition, scholarship auditions, main stage performances, workshops, and opportunities to visit with exhibitors and college representatives from throughout Michigan and beyond.

The Michigan Thespian Festival is recognized as one of the finest quality high school theatre festivals in the country. Judges and workshop presenters are comprised of college instructors as well as theatre professionals from virtually every area of theatre. To help minimize costs, Michigan uses a volunteer committee comprised of both adults and students that work year-round to make the Festival the best possible experience it can be for everyone involved.

Any school can attend the Festival and attend workshops, watch shows and view individual events. However, to compete in the Individual Events or Scholarship Competitions, schools and students must be registered members of the International Thespian Society. At Festival, students are identified by the Troupe number associated with their school. For more information on creating a Thespian Troupe for your school, please start at our website. Visit: http://michiganthespians.org/starting-a-troupe/ or contact the National Office at 513.421.3900.

We hope this packet will serve as a sufficient guide as you prepare yourself and your students for this year’s Festival. For those of you who have attended Festivals in the past, please take the time to read all of the information included; there have been some changes since last year’s Festival. Major changes for this coming year will be written in red font. All the forms necessary for registering your group for this year’s Festival are provided via email and are also available for download from our website. If you haven’t yet been to our website, we encourage you to visit us at: www.michiganthespians.com If after viewing the enclosed materials you have questions about any area in particular, please feel free to contact the appropriate person listed on the included contact list. If after reviewing the contact list you are still not sure who to contact, please start with Dave Springer (david.springer@uticak12.org), our Membership Director, and he will be able to answer your questions or can certainly help to point you in the right direction. Another person who can help is our new Festival Director, Todd Avery (taveryfestivaldirector@gmail.com).

I wish you well on the school year ahead and hope I’ll get the chance to see you and your students at this year’s Festival.

Sincerely,

Erik HartMETA Chapter Director

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DELEGATE INFORMATIONWhat is a Delegate?A delegate refers to any participant registered for Festival.There are four types of delegates:

1.) Director 2.) Chaperone 3.) Student 4.) Student State Board

Who is considered a “Director”? Each school will have one “Director” that is ultimately responsible for anyone participating at Festival from their school. The Director is in charge of collecting money, filling out and submitting forms for registration (by the required due dates), making sure that their students are in compliance with the rules, and making sure that any students competing in individual events and/or scholarships are active Thespian members. Directors must carry medical and emergency contact information on them for any student attending festival from their school. Directors must sit with their students during Main Stage Performances. They are ultimately responsible for monitoring their students and chaperones, both on-campus and off. Directors are required to be on site with their troupes throughout the Festival. Directors can watch any of the Individual Events Competitions and are encouraged to attend workshops. During the Thespian and College Scholarship Competitions, Directors are the only ones able to watch. Directors should inform other students, parents and chaperones that they will not be permitted to watch any of the scholarship competitions. In order to make this a great weekend for everyone involved, we are asking that every director expect to have a small duty during the festival. Most of these involve supervision (such as monitoring one of the meal sessions) and will only take up a small amount of time. Your festival responsibility/duty (if any) will be included in the information packet given to you when you arrive on Friday. In exchange for all the work a director must do, they are not charged for attending Festival.

Who is considered a “Chaperone”? A Chaperone is any adult that accompanies their school to Festival. Chaperones are responsible for monitoring students from their school. They make sure students are participating actively in the Festival. They also make sure students are being respectful of the spaces and of one another. Chaperones are expected to monitor students back at the hotel. Chaperones pay a reduced rate and are able to watch shows and individual events as well as attend workshops. The amount of chaperones a school brings is their choice; however, we recommend at least one chaperone for every 10 students. In addition, we also encourage troupes to bring at least one male and at least one female Chaperone if both genders of students are attending Festival. To help you keep a healthy ratio of students and chaperones we grant each school one free Chaperone Registration for every 10 paying students they bring. In order to make this a great weekend for everyone involved, we are asking that every chaperone expect to have a duty during the festival. Most of these involve supervision (such as monitoring one of the meal sessions) and will only take up a small amount of time. Festival responsibilities (if any) will be included in the information packet given to directors when they arrive on Friday.*Parents who are not registered as Chaperones are not allowed to come to the Festival sites.

Who is considered a “Student”? A student is any 9th-12th grader attending festival. All students are able to attend workshops, watch shows and watch individual events. Students that have already been inducted or are in the process of induction are able to compete in Individual Events. Additionally, seniors that are International Thespian Members are able to compete in scholarship competitions in addition to all other aspects of Festival.

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Who are Student State Board members? SSB members are students at Festival that have agreed to help setup and run the Festival. Each school with an active director on the Adult State Board is able to elect up to 3 of their students to serve on the State Board. They volunteer time at Festival and attend a required preparatory meeting Thursday evening.

Who are State Thespian Officers? STO membership denotes any of the 10 Student State Board members that were appointed at the Summer Leadership Camp. STO members help in the process of creating and running the Festival. STO members have the chance to represent their school and state through their volunteer service to Thespians. STO members meet throughout the school year to help prepare for the Festival and other META events. For details about becoming a STO member, please visit our website: www.michiganthespians.com and click under the State Board tab.

When filling out your Delegate Form, please just list your SSB or STO member as a “Student” for the ‘Delegate Type’ section of the form.

PERFORMANCES:All festival delegates will have the opportunity to see multiple shows. In addition to full-length shows, there may also be smaller productions available to see in other theatre spaces. It is very important that your group sits together during performances. This will help you monitor your students’ behavior as well as ensure that all your students are present during the shows. There will not be room for ANY empty seats. Please help us make sure that students do not “save” seats or use surrounding seats to store bags and coats. We will need every seat in the theatre to accommodate all of the paying delegates. Seats are for paying delegates only; there are no additional seats available for parents or friends of performers to come and see shows at the Festival.

Bringing a Show:There is nothing like the rush of performing a show in front of hundreds of Thespians. If you’re doing quality work, you’ve been to the Festival before, and your theatre program has the financial and human resources that it takes to mount a production far from home, we encourage you to consider bringing a show.

Because more schools want to perform than we have time and spots for at Festival, we have created an application process. Schools that are interested in bringing a show must first submit the PERFORMANCE REQUEST FORM. Directors that want to bring a show are then invited to pitch their show to the State Board selection committee either in person or by phone. Directors will be told whether or not their show was selected and, if so, what spot at Festival it is slated for. The committee looks for high quality shows that are appropriate for a Festival audience comprised mostly of high school students. The committee also considers the diversity of shows, the number of times schools have presented in the past, the size of the show, technical needs and the style

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of production.

All PERFORMANCE REQUEST FORMS must be submitted no later than Wednesday, September 21st, 2016. The festival director will contact you once he/she receives your form to find out if you are interested in ‘pitching’ your show to the selection committee. If you can’t come in person, you may be asked to be available by phone in case there are any questions. It typically only takes 10-15 minutes for the entire process. See the Production Guidelines for additional details if you think you’d like to bring a show. Selected shows may be eligible for a $250 stipend to help with transportation costs. Some shows may be asked to perform twice.

Full Length Shows: A limited number of full length shows will be selected to perform at the Michigan Thespian Festival. The runtime of a full length show should be 2 hours or less. In addition, if you are interested in having your show adjudicated for possible selection for the International Thespian Festival (in June), there is an additional charge for this option. (See Performance Application Form)

One Act Shows: One act productions must not exceed a playing time of 60 minutes. Typically, they must be able to set up and strike in approximately 1 hour or less. One act shows may be scheduled during the morning, afternoon, or evening. They could run concurrently with another production and/or during a workshop session. These productions should emphasize acting, with less focus placed on the technical elements.

Based on recommendations by State Board Members, some one-acts may be invited to perform at the International Thespian Festival (which takes place in June).

Production Guidelines:All productions wishing to be considered should consult the following guidelines and general information:

1.) If you want your school to be considered for a possible performance at the Michigan Thespian Festival, the troupe director must complete and submit the PERFORMANCE REQUEST FORM by the stated deadline.

2.) Full length productions may not exceed 2 hours and 15 minutes in length (including intermissions). Any show that exceeds 2 hours, 15 minutes will be stopped. All shows should plan for a maximum of two hours for technical set up time and one hour for strike.

3.) The choice of show must be appropriate, in the judgment of the Selection Committee. Every effort will be made to schedule productions on the Main Stage that are of literary and dramatic value and that contribute to the variety and balance of the program.

4.) Non-published or original works must submit a copy of their script with their

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application.

5.) If a director pays for their show to be adjudicated for the International Festival, they will receive a copy of written comments from a team of adjudicators within a month. There will not be an oral critique at Festival.

6.) You should expect only basic lighting and sound options from the host site. Additional set up and prep time in the host facility is only allowed with advance approval from both the Festival Director and the host site faculty member in charge of tech.

7.) Directors who wish to present a show must secure written permission from the publisher to present their version of the show. It is the director’s responsibility to secure and pay all rights for the show being performed. This written permission must be given to the Festival Director (prior to Festival).

8.) All producing groups must have a crew to unload, set-up and strike their set. Please build your set to travel. All scenery, props, costumes, make-up, etc., must be supplied by the performing group and will not be provided by the host school or the Michigan Thespian Festival.

9.) Musical productions using pit musicians who do not plan on participating in any other aspect of the Festival do not need to be registered.

10.) All cast and crew must be officially registered delegates paying to participate in the Michigan Thespian Festival. Bringing a production does not automatically register your students for the Festival.

WORKSHOPS: Exciting workshops are planned in a variety of theatrical areas including but not limited to Musical Theatre, Acting, Movement, Dance, Stage Combat, and Technical Theatre. Professionally trained guest artists as well as college faculty are being booked to ensure quality classes and presentations that will be meaningful to everyone in attendance. Students must attend workshops. It is the troupe director’s responsibility to ensure students attendance at workshops.

There will be around 100 workshops offered over the weekend. Students should have alternate choices for workshops because some workshops will fill up. Students are admitted to workshops on a “first come, first served” basis. While most workshops are intended for students, they are also open to directors and chaperones. There may be a few workshops for adults only.

A listing of Workshops with descriptions will be available via the website at the start of ‘Festival’ week.

INDIVIDUAL EVENTSIndividual Events or “I.E.s” as they are commonly referred to, are intended to be a non-competitive, educational offering for students. Students have the opportunity to receive

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constructive feedback from professional judges on their prepared theatrical material and technical designs. The goal for participating students is to find their strengths and weaknesses and to grow as theatre artists. Competing in Individual Events is optional for students.

Any student is able to watch any of the Individual Events sessions as an observer. Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Keep in mind that an individual event includes an adjudication process; audience members need to remain quiet throughout each session. Entrance and exits to the rooms are at the discretion of the door guard.

To ensure high quality and solid preparation, we encourage directors to hold troupe auditions before submitting their Delegate I.E. Form. Once selected, please make sure to view any pieces that may be performed to ensure the content is suitable for all high school audiences and is a good fit for your student(s).

Event Categories:Performance TechnicalSolo Dance Costume Design PlaywritingGroup Dance Costume Construction Stage ManagementMonologue Theatre MarketingDuet Acting Short FilmGroup Acting Scenic DesignSolo Musical Theatre Lighting DesignDuet Musical Theatre Sound DesignGroup Musical Theatre Make-Up Design

Judging Process for I.E.s:A team of expert judges will be selected to evaluate each individual event category. Each team will consist of three judges. They will give written feedback on festival forms and individually rank each event as Superior, Excellent, or Good. These scores will then be combined to award the competitor(s) an overall ranking of (1) SUPERIOR, (2) EXCELLENT, or (3) GOOD in the category. In the event that there should be more than three judges, only the top three scores will be used. In the event that there are only two judges, the highest score will be counted twice.

Copies of the judge’s evaluation forms will be provided to directors in a packet at the conclusion of Festival. One copy will be provided for the student(s) competing and one will be for the director to keep.

The rankings are compiled in the following manner:

SUPERIOR + SUPERIOR + SUPERIOR = SUPERIORSUPERIOR + SUPERIOR + EXCELLENT = SUPERIOR

SUPERIOR + SUPERIOR + GOOD = SUPERIORSUPERIOR + EXCELLENT + EXCELLENT = EXCELLENTSUPERIOR + EXCELLENT + GOOD = EXCELLENTEXCELLENT + EXCELLENT + EXCELLENT = EXCELLENTSUPERIOR + GOOD + GOOD = EXCELLENTEXCELLENT + EXCELLENT + GOOD = EXCELLENTEXCELLENT + GOOD + GOOD = GOOD

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GOOD + GOOD + GOOD = GOODRecognition for ParticipantsRecipients of overall Excellent or Superior ratings receive certificates for individual achievement. In addition, every Superior award recipient will receive a medal.

Anyone receiving an overall Superior rating is automatically eligible to attend the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May and/or compete in the Individual Events Competition at the International Thespian Festival. Students choosing to participate in either of these events must secure the rights to perform their selections. Each of these events are separate from the Michigan Thespian Festival and require an additional fee and separate registration if you want to attend.

General Rules for all I.E. Events:1. Students are allowed to compete in a maximum of (2) events. Schools can send up to (2) participants/groups per category. Schools bringing 40 or more student delegates can send up to (3) participants/groups per category.

2. All Individual Events participants must be registered for the Festival by Oct. 31st .

3. Music-related events must provide their own music and whatever device is necessary to play that music at an appropriate volume for their piece. The Festival will not provide music players. You are advised to have a backup copy of your music.

4. For Performance Events there is no use of props. Use of props will result in an automatic reduction of one full ranking.

5. To comply with our new alignment with the International Festival rules and forms, all I.E. contestants MUST WEAR ALL BLACK during their presentation. This is true for BOTH performances as well as technical presentations. Because Playwriting, Make Up, and Dance are not I.E. categories at the International Festival, the “wear black” rule does not apply to these participants. Use of non-black clothing, costumes or theatrical makeup will result in an automatic reduction of one full ranking.

6. Any event going overtime is automatically lowered one full ranking. Timing will begin on the first word or action after the introduction. The introduction (slate) should include the entrant’s name(s), troupe #, title of selection(s), and the name(s) of the author(s).

*This year, the Michigan Festival will change to the International Thespian Festival rules and forms. Specific rules for each I.E. event category are available for download from our website starting in September.

If you have questions about I.E.’s, please contact our I.E. coordinator: Megan Weeks (megan.weeks@hvs.org) The student performers’ schedule for I.E. events will be available when directors check in at the Festival. However, if you anticipate a problem with scheduling, please contact the I.E. Scheduling Director: Jon Gillespie (gillespi@wcskids.net) I.E. events take place on the Friday of Festival.

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Please note: Students advancing with Superiors in more that one area, will have to choose which (1) they would like to compete with at the International Festival; they will only allow one event per person. Playwriting, Make Up, and Dance are not I.E. categories at the International Festival.

EXHIBITORSBoth adults and students will enjoy meeting with the various exhibitors that come from around Michigan. Exhibitors will be available throughout the day on both Friday and Saturday. There are three types of exhibitors: Colleges, Businesses, and Organizations. College Exhibitors are there to answer questions about their theatre departments and to give out materials like brochures and applications. Businesses and organizations come with products and information. Sometimes we also have theatrical vendors, which sell theatre articles like jewelry, mugs or clothing.

To encourage you and your students to visit exhibitors, we give each Exhibitor a stamp. When you or your students visit the exhibitors they will stamp the back of your name badge insert. At the end of Festival, those with enough stamps are entered to win prizes both individually and for their troupe. Additional details will be provided in the program at Festival, including a list of this year’s exhibitors. If you have questions regarding exhibitors please contact our Exhibitors Director: Anne-Marie Roberts robertsa@aaps.k12.mi.us

DANCEFriday traditionally ends with a dance. The dance gives students a chance to just cut loose and have some fun. The dance will also be referred to as the “AfterGLOW” because of the glow bracelets that we give out (free of charge). Some students may choose to wear white or bring additional ‘glow’ toys for fun. For those that don’t like dancing there are also areas to chill, snacks to eat, and some alternative activities such as group improvisation.

SHOWCASESaturday evening’s performance is a “Showcase” of performances from schools across the state. Each school has the option of sending one individual or group from their school to perform one piece on the big stage. The selection could be an I.E. event competing at Festival, but it doesn’t have to be (but it still must conform to the general time limits and rules of an I.E.) There are a limited number of slots available. All directors will be sent a Showcase Registration Form via email in November.

CLOSING CEREMONIESThe final part of festival includes our closing ceremonies. This is a time we recognize students and adults as well as celebrate as a whole. During this time we announce I.E. rankings, scholarship offers, give away prizes and acknowledge those that made the event possible.Once festival has concluded, directors will pick up a complimentary bag with all of the judging and scholarship forms for their students from the entire weekend.

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THESPIAN SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITIONThe Michigan State Thespians will be offering scholarships for graduating seniors who plan to major or minor in Theatre or Communication Arts. Students who are not active members are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

A student can compete in either the area of Performance or Production or Service. Each applicant will present a prepared audition and portfolio in PERFORMANCE (acting and/or musical Theatre), PRODUCTION (design, promotion, stage management, technical achievement) or SERVICE. Each director can nominate a maximum of two seniors in this scholarship competition. However, each school can nominate only one student per category. For example, the School “B” director decides to have Bill Shakespeare compete in performance and Susan Smith to compete in the Service/Production category. Bill and Susan could not both compete in Performance or Service/Production.

The student’s director may watch their student’s audition, but no other students or adults (including parents) are permitted to watch Thespian Auditions. Each student will be assigned an 8 minute audition slot. The time and room location will be provided in the Festival Program and given out at Festival check in.

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION1. A non-renewable scholarship of $500 will be awarded to (10) Michigan

Thespians as recommended by an independent judging panel.2. Following festival, the Festival Director will forward a list of the winners to the

Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) home office. Disbursement of all monetary awards and all future contact about the scholarship will be handled by the Educational Theatre Association. Recipients will be expected to document proof of enrollment in a recognized school, college, or university’s theatre or communication program.

3. Failure to complete enrollment or withdrawal from school negates this scholarship and the grant will not be awarded.

4. Recipients will have one full year from the date awarded to claim their award.

ELIGIBILITY1. Applicants must present proof of their membership in the International Thespian Society by providing their Thespian ID number on their application form.2. All applicants must be currently enrolled in a Michigan school and graduate at the end of that school year.3. Applicants must be registered to attend the Festival with a registered troupe.4. All winners must use the grant for furthering their education with a major or minor in theatre and/or communication arts.5. Each director may nominate a maximum of (2) candidates (one in Performance and one in Service/Production).

JUDGING1. Five neutral judges will be appointed by the Festival and/or Chapter Director.2. Judging will take place on the Saturday of the Michigan Thespian Festival.3. Students will not receive formal feedback either verbal or written.4. Students will be judged based on their performance/presentation as well as their answers to the judges’ questions.5. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of Festival.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURESAll student must apply via www.getacceptd.com by Oct.31st

Applications rules and procedures can be downloaded from our website at: http://michiganthespians.org/student-documents/

If you have any questions regarding Michigan Thespian Scholarship auditions, please contact Erik Hart: ehart@wcskids.net

Michigan Thespian Scholarship auditions take place on the Saturday of festival.

PERFORMANCE CANDIDATES: Students competing in Performance must prepare a solo presentation not to exceed three (3) minutes; performers will be stopped once they exceed the (3) minute time limit. The performance will be followed by an interview and a portfolio screening for up to (5) minutes. During the interview students are generally asked questions that will have them reflect on past experiences as well as future plans. The performance may be either musical or non-musical theatre. Musical auditions must be accompanied by piano- no prerecorded music will be allowed. Those needing accompaniment must use the Festival Accompanist ; bring your sheet music with any cuts or edits. Musical Theatre people will have the option of signing up for a designated rehearsal slot to practice with the accompanist in advance of their scholarship audition.Check List:

Before October 31st:

______Create an account with www.getacceptd.com

______Complete and submit Thespian Scholarship Registration Form

______Upload a resume (required)

______Upload additional photos and documents to portfolio (optional)

On Arrival at Festival:

______Check-in with your director at the Scholarship Registration Desk

______Schedule a rehearsal time with Accompanist (only for Musical Theatre)

Bring to your audition slot:

______Portfolio of work (required)

______Sheet Music (only required for Musical Theatre)

TECHNICAL/DESIGN CANDIDATES: Those students auditioning as technical/design majors must bring a portfolio and be prepared to participate in an oral presentation as well as a question-and-answer period. Students will have up to (2) minutes to set up their display/design work. This will be followed by a (3) minute oral presentation of their work. The judges will then have a maximum of (3) minutes to ask questions. The portfolio should illustrate your

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expertise in technical theatre/design. Technical/Design candidates should be prepared to answer questions from the judges about their experiences and/or plans for the future. Check List:Before October 31st:

______Create an account with www.getacceptd.com

______Complete and submit Thespian Scholarship Registration Form

______Upload a resume (required)

______Upload additional photos and documents to portfolio (optional)

On Arrival at Festival:

______Check-in with your director at the Scholarship Registration Desk

______Store design materials (if necessary)—a room will be provided

Bring to your audition slot:

______Portfolio of work (required)

______Any design or constructed artifacts (optional)

SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES: This area was created to reward those students in our troupes who are the unsung heroes. These students are always there, and always ready to work for the betterment of the group. This scholarship will be awarded based on letters of recommendation, a ten-minute interview and his/her portfolio. Generally students start with a brief self-presentation. There is no performance component to this scholarship and it will be awarded based on the applicant’s service to their troupe, their community and the art of theatre. The focus should be theatre related.Check List:

Before November 31st:

______Create an account with www.getacceptd.com

______Complete and Submit Thespian Scholarship Registration Form

______Upload a resume (required)

______Upload at least 2 Letters of Recommendation (required)

______Upload additional photos and documents to portfolio (optional)

On Arrival at Festival:

______Check-in with your director at the Scholarship Registration Desk

Bring to your audition slot:

______Portfolio of work

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COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION:Any senior thespian is eligible to compete in the college scholarship competition, provided they have applied in advance by the required deadline. Students can compete in the areas of Musical Theatre Performance, Acting Performance, Design/Tech, or Stage Management. There is a $25 charge to participate in the College Scholarship Competition paid directly to www.getacceptd.com. There is no limit to the amount of seniors eligible from any one school. Seniors should be pursuing a degree in some area of the performing arts. Troupe Directors are allowed to watch their students’ audition; however, other students and/or parents cannot watch these auditions.

At Festival, students will receive a schedule with their designated audition time. Arrive early at the designated audition room. There will be a check-in desk near the entrance of the audition room. There will also be a rehearsal room to warm-up in prior to auditioning.

After all the auditions have concluded some students may be asked to meet with select schools one-on-one during “Callbacks”. Callback notices will be posted by the scheduled time listed in the Festival Program. More than likely your callback will be an interview where the colleges will talk to you about their school and answer any questions you may have about their institution. Students are not required to meet with schools that call them back if they are not interested; however, it is a great chance to take a look at some schools you may not have considered. If you have a portfolio, you are encouraged to bring this with you to your callback.

Scholarship offers will be announced during the closing ceremonies of Festival. There is the possibility that some schools will award scholarships to students not “called back” and it is also possible that additional scholarships could be offered at a later date. A copy of each scholarship offered a student will be put in the director’s final packet, which directors can pick up at the conclusion of Festival. Students have the ethical responsibility to contact every school that has made them an offer and either accept or decline that offer by the time listed on their offer form.

MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES:Musical theatre performers will present 32 bars of a musical theatre song as well as one monologue of their choosing. Upon entering the audition room, they will have a chance to check the level of their music before beginning. Timing begins after the introduction/slate (name, school, title of selection(s), and the name(s) of author(s). Performers will have a maximum of 2 ½ minutes to perform both their song and monologue. Once done, please exit the room as promptly as possible. There will be no question and answer period after the audition.

All musical performers must provide an edited musical recording of their 32 bars of accompaniment at festival check in on Friday morning. Audio tracks with karaoke-style music as well as prerecorded musical accompaniment are allowed, but performers CANNOT sing along with music that has pre-recorded lyrics, even if it is their own voice. No props or costumes are permitted for performers. Performers do not need to bring a portfolio, resumes, etc. to the audition.

ACTING PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES:Those who are auditioning in acting will have a maximum of 3 minutes to present or perform 2 contrasting monologues of their choosing. Performers going over 3 minutes will be asked to stop. Timing begins after the introduction/slate (name, school, title of selection(s), and the name(s) of author(s). Once done, please exit the room as promptly as possible. There will be no question and answer period after the audition. No props or costumes are permitted for performers. Performers do not need to bring a portfolio, resumes, etc. to the audition.

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DESIGN/TECH and STAGE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES:Those who are auditioning in Design/Tech or Stage Management will have 1 minute for set-up of any display/design materials and 4 minutes to present. Participants are encouraged to introduce themselves as well as the name of their school. A large table as well as dressing figures will be provided for your convenience. You will be stopped at 5 minutes. The colleges may ask about your design or concepts after your presentation. Once done please collect your materials and exit as promptly as possible. Portfolios, Prompt Books, and/or any other visual displays are encouraged.

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION1. The type, amount, number, duration and all other conditions of the award

are determined by each individual university, college or institution.2. Students must adhere to their outlined rules to receive the scholarship.

Rules will be provided to students on offer sheets, which their directors will receive at the conclusion of Festival.

ELIGIBILITY1. All applicants must be Thespians whose memberships are current in the

International Thespian Society.2. All applicants must be seniors enrolled in a Michigan Secondary school and

be graduating at the conclusion of the school year.3. Applicants must be registered to attend the Festival with a registered troupe4. Incomplete or incorrect application materials may mean disqualification.

JUDGING1. Judging will take place on the Saturday of the Michigan Thespian Festival.2. Each institution will send a representative(s) to make their selections based on their own review process.3. Students may or may not receive oral feedback after their audition and/or callback4. All offers will be announced at the award ceremony at the end of Festival.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Register with www.getacceptd.com Pay the $25 fee to participate in the College Scholarship Competition (paid online

to getacceptd.com) Complete online registration form on (www.getacceptd.com) by October 31st. Upload a (1) page resume by October 31st. Optional: upload any other audio/visual content of your choosing by October

31st. If you have any questions regarding college auditions, please contact Erik Hart:

ehart@wcskids.net College Scholarship auditions take place on the Saturday of festival.

APPLICATION PROCEDURESApplication procedures can be downloaded from our website starting early September: http://michiganthespians.org/student-documents/

(Sample Resume):

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YOUR NAMEAge: 17 Eye Color: GREEN Height: 5’9” Hair: BLONDWeight: 160 Voice: TENOR

ACTING MACBETH Malcolm Happy High SchoolSHOW (All caps) Role WhereSHOW (All caps) Role WhereSHOW (All caps) Role WhereSHOW (All caps) Role WhereSHOW (All caps) Role WhereSHOW (All caps) Role Where

DANCEGISELLE Aerial Dance Theatre New York, NYDANCE PIECE Company WhereDANCE PIECE Company Where

TRAININGClass taken Taught By Where“Acting for Film” Workshop Michael Chandlers Chelsea Summer Rep.

AWARDSBest Leading Actor, 2011

SPECIAL SKILLS-Fluent in Spanish-Juggling (4 balls)-Instruments: Piano, Oboe

This is only an example. Please make changes that are appropriate for you. Feel free to eliminate areas in which you lack experience and also feel free to include other areas such as Film,

Technical jobs, etc. in which you do have experience

A (SAMPLE) FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

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Thursday: (REQUIRED FOR STATE BOARD MEMBERS ONLY – SSB & STO members).

7pm – 10pm Work on Festival Organization and Set-up at assigned location.

The official start of Festival for all participants in on Friday.

Friday:8:30-9 AM Arrival at The Temple Theatre for check in 9:00-9:30 Opening Ceremonies9:30-11:30 Show #1 (in the Temple Theatre)12-2 Lunch at SVSU12-7 Individual Events Competition

Workshops/One ActsExhibitor Tables

5-7 Dinner at SVSU7-9 Show #2 (at SVSU)9-10:30 Dance at SVSU10:30-11:00 Head back to Hotel Midnight Sleep

Saturday:8:30-5 Scholarship Competitions9-7 Exhibitor Booths10:00 AM Show #3 (at SVSU)12-3 Lunch at SVSU2:30-6 Workshops/One Acts4-7 Dinner at SVSU5:30-6 Scholarship Callbacks/Arrival at Temple Theatre7:00-9:00 Student Showcase at The Temple Theatre9-10:30 Awards and Closing Ceremonies (at The Temple Theatre)10:30 Directors pick up troupe materials and head back to the hotel or depart

home

*A complete schedule with more specific details and locations will be sent out to all participating schools in advance of the Festival.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:Included in the registration price of Festival are all aspects of Festival as well a T-shirt, name badge, program, and 4 meal tickets (for lunch and dinner on both Friday and Saturday @

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SVSU). Festival Activities include Individual Events Competition, Workshops, Performances, Exhibitor Booths, the Dance, and the Thespian Scholarship Competition. The pricing is “all-inclusive” regardless of how much or how little a student wishes to participate. The only additional charge is for students competing for College Scholarships—see the section on College Scholarships for more details.

Any school attending Festival must register and pay in advance. Registration opens the first week of September and will continue until the closing dates listed below or until we reach capacity-- whichever occurs first.

Your registration should include all completed forms and applications as well as payment in full. You are not registered until payment arrives. Those forms received without payment, will be put on hold until payment is received in full. Once your forms and payment are received they will be processed and you will be sent a notice via e-mail. This will be your confirmation that both paper work and payment have been received and that we look forward to your participation at the festival. In the event that all materials and payment are received in time, but seating capacity has been reached, the director will be notified by the Membership Director to discuss any remaining available options.

PRICING for “REGULAR REGISTRATION”:If all forms and payment are received on or before Monday, October 31st the following rates apply:

Director: Free (only one per school)Chaperone: $75 per person (*1 free chaperone per 10 paying students)Student: $140 per person

PRICING for “LATE REGISTRATION”:If your forms and payment are received between Tuesday, November 1st and Friday, November 4th, the following rates apply:

Director: $25 (only one per school)Chaperone: $100 per person (*1 free chaperone per 10 paying students)Student: $165 per person

*Students of schools registering “LATE” will not be able to compete in I.E.’s or any of the Scholarship Competitions, but will be able to do all other Festival activities

PAPER PROCESSING FEE: There will be an additional $200.00 fee for any school that does not type and submit their forms electronically. NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER NOVEMBER 4 th

PAYMENT:Directors are responsible for collecting money from their students and delivering ONE CHECK payable to META for the total cost of registration. Schools also have the option of paying by credit card in one lump sum as well. If you prefer to pay by credit card, please email Dave Springer at david.springer@uticak12.org and a payable invoice will be sent to you via PayPal. If you are sending a check, mail to:

David Springer6500 25 Mile Rd.Shelby Township, MI 48316

RECEIPT:Once, payment has been received, you will be sent a confirmation email. Physical receipts are available by request only.

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REFUNDS: In the event that your group or an individual from your troupe needs to cancel their registration, a 50% refund will be available until November 14th. There will be no refunds of any type after November 14th. Although inclement weather policies and specific issues will vary from district to district, the festival will continue; no refunds will be given to any school or individual that does not attend Festival due to decisions made by counties, districts, schools, principals, directors, parents or students after November 14th.

“NEW TO FESTIVAL SPECIAL”: If you are a director that has either never been to the Michigan Thespian Festival before or hasn’t attended in five or more years, we’d love for you to be a part of Festival. If you want to just come and check out the Festival without students we will not only waive the registration cost but will also pay for your hotel if you need it. You will still need to complete the registration form and send it in first. If you’d like to learn more about the Festival and/or find out how to start a Thespian troupe, contact our New School Coordinator, Karen Miller at karen.miller@hvs.org and/or visit www.michiganthespians.com

For questions or additional details about registration and/or pricing, please contact: David Springer at 586-797-1447 or david.springer@uticak12.org.

LOCATIONS OF FESTIVALMichigan Thespian Festival check in, the opening ceremonies Friday morning and the closing ceremonies Saturday evening, which include the Showcase and the Awards Ceremony will take place at the Temple Theatre (in downtown Saginaw):Temple Theatre203 N. Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607

All remaining festival activities and events for the remainder of Friday as well as the morning and afternoon Saturday will take place at Saginaw Valley State University: Saginaw Valley State UniversityCurtiss Hall7400 Bay RoadUniversity Center, MI 48710

Main Entrance to SVSU: (Curtiss Hall is in the far right background)

The parking lot is located to the right as you pull up to the building (on the right). There is also a loop for the busses to drop off just in front of the doors.

Entrance to Curtiss Hall (main entrance doors are just behind that tree in the photo below)

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Curtiss Hall/Main Lobby of Theatre:(What you’ll see once you enter through the doors. You will register at the “Information” area to the right. Have your students pass you and wait at the far end of the lobby.

TRAVEL:

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Transportation and associated costs to/from the Festival are the responsibility of your school. Once at the Festival site, each school will be responsible for travel between Festival venues (The Temple Theatre & SVSU) and their hotel. The Michigan Thespian Festival will no longer provide shuttle service to and from the venues and hotels like at past festivals.

Schools traveling by bus/van/car:If you are arriving by bus/van/car, plan to have your bus/van/car stay with you for the duration of the weekend. Simply get dropped off at the appropriate locations and your bus/van/car can either park back at your hotel or they can park in one of the lots outside of the theatres free of charge.

Thursday Night Arrival: Check in to your hotel and then proceed to your assigned venue. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BEFORE FESTIVAL VIA EMAIL WHERE YOU AND YOUR STO/SSB STUDENTS SHOULD REPORT FOR FESTIVAL PREP (the Temple or SVSU).

Friday Morning Arrival: Your bus/van/car will first need to drop off your group at the Temple Theatre and then wait until the opening ceremonies are done at the Temple Theatre. Free parking nearby with directions will be provided for your driver when they drop you off.

After the opening ceremonies and the first show are over (approximately 3 hours) your bus/van/car will pick you up and bring your group to SVSU. After getting dropped off at SVSU, your bus/van/car can be released until the end of Friday’s activities at Festival, where it will once again pick you up at SVSU and deliver you to your hotel. Again, you will be able to park in the lot outside Curtiss Hall at SVSU for free.

Saturday @ Festival: After breakfast (on your own), your bus/van/car will bring you to SVSU (see the final schedule for appropriate arrival times). After getting dropped off at SVSU, your bus/van/car can be released (free parking at SVSU) until after dinner (SVSU cafeteria). Your bus/van/car will need to get you to the Temple Theatre for the Student Showcase and closing ceremonies (Showcase begins at approximately 7pm – performers will need to arrive at The Temple Theatre earlier – refer to Festival schedule). Your bus/van/car will once again wait for you there until the awards/closing ceremony is over. We will end Festival at The Temple Theatre.

ARRIVAL AT THE TEMPLE THEATRE:

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When your group is dropped off, students and chaperones go directly into the theatre and take your seats. Fill in the closest available seats to the stage and please sit together as a group. Once the orchestra seats are full, schools will be directed to the balcony seating area.

Directors should go directly to the registration table to check-in and get all of their materials (T-shirts, nametags, maps, event schedules, etc.) for the weekend. Please be prepared to tell the workers at the registration table if anyone has dropped from any Individual Events or Scholarship Competitions. Students that are competing in scholarship competitions should stay with you and check-in at this time as well.

If there are issues our volunteers will do their best to help you in a timely manner.

The Temple Theatre203 N. Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607

ARRIVAL AT SVSU (Curtiss Hall/Performing Arts Center):There will be a technical storage room for any students that need to store sets, costumes, etc. for technical areas of the I.E. or Scholarship competitions (see details in Festival schedule). Students will NOT be able to leave their coats, bags, or luggage in their theatre seats or in any location at Curtiss Hall. All locations at SVSU are community spaces that schools share with each other AS WELL AS SVSU students and staff. Schools will not be allowed to set up a “food area” at SVSU. Please make arrangements for students to carry their own snacks or a time to meet at your bus/van/car to get food. These items, including valuables, should be kept at your hotel or in your bus/van/car.

Once at the SVSU Festival site, all events and activities will be indoors and within walking distance until the Student Showcase and closing ceremonies back at the Temple Theatre Saturday night.

For a SVSU campus map: svsu.edu/visit/campusmaps/

Curtiss Hall is area 9 and the Performing Arts Center is area 32 on the map.

DEPARTURE:All schools leaving Saturday night or staying Saturday night at a hotel should plan on

being picked up from The Temple Theatre in downtown Saginaw.

HOTEL INFORMATION:

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Directors make the decision whether their group will commute or whether they will stay at a hotel. Shuttle service will be provided from the suggested hotels referenced in this packet. For schools that choose to stay at hotels outside of the area, shuttle transportation will not be provided to/from those hotels and the Festival sites.

We encourage you to try and stay the night with your troupe in suggested Festival hotels if at all possible. We feel the experience builds community and also relieves stress on the troupe. Also, the more people that stay at hotels, the better rates we are able to negotiate to all of our delegates for the next year. It is the troupe director’s responsibility to reserve hotel rooms (if necessary) for their group.

Obviously, those schools that are close to the campus may choose to commute at the beginning and ending of each day to save on costs. Hotel costs are not included in the Festival Registration pricing. See below for a listing of this year’s suggested Festival Hotels and their pricing. We have arranged for discounted room rates and more rooms than ever before for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. How many nights you stay is up to you. Rooms are only guaranteed if reservations are made by November 1st. The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting the hotel you would like.

We do not guarantee you room at any of the hotels. We’ve reserved as many rooms as we could. This is a large festival and even the largest hotels have limitations. As a courtesy to all schools, please do not reserve more hotel rooms that your troupe will need. Hotel payment, rooming lists and any other arrangements must be handled between the school director and the hotel staff directly. All hotels listed are within 1 mile of each other and within 4 miles of SVSU:

Residence Inn Sleeps Room Type # RoomsAvailable

Costper day

Available Nights

5230 Fashion Square BoulevardSaginaw, MI 48604

4 King Studio(King w/ pullout)

20 $89.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Reservations: 989-799-9000Say you have a group rate with META

6 Two Bedroom Suite

5 $124.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat

Pool: YesBreakfast Included: Yes

OUR CONTACT:Brittany Askew989-397-9042

TownePlace Suites Sleeps Room Type # RoomsAvailable

Costper day

Available Nights

5368 Fashion Square BoulevardSaginaw, MI 48604

4 Studio King(King + pullout)

20 $89.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

4 Studio Queen(2 Queens)

10 $89.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

4 1 Bedroom Suite(King + pullout)

0 $104.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Reservations: 989-792-2200Say you have a group rate with META

6 2 Bedroom Suite(2 Queens beds in separate rooms with a shared living room)

5 $124.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Pool: YesBreakfast Included: Continental

OUR CONTACT:Brittany Askew989-397-9042

Four Points by Sheraton Sleeps Room Type # Rooms Cost Available Nights

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Available per day4960 Towne Center Rd.

Saginaw, MI 486041-2 King 55 $99.00

+ taxesThursday-Sat.

4 Double(2 Queens)

60 $99.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Reservations: 989-399-3901(ask for Jessica in group sales)Say you have a group rate with META

4 King Parlor Suite(King + Pullout Sofa)

5 $119.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Pool: YesBreakfast Included: No,But can be purchased at restaurant

OUR CONTACT:Autumn Russian989-399-3906

Holiday Inn Express Sleeps Room Type # RoomsAvailable

Costper day

Available Nights

2501 Tittabawasee Rd.Saginaw, MI 48604

1-2 King 10 $117.99+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

4 Double(2 Queens)

30 $117.99+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

4 King Suite(King + Pullout)

15 $117.99+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Reservations: 989-792-7500Say you are a group with META

4-6 Double Queen Suite(2 Queens + Pullout)

4 $117.99+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Pool Yes:Breakfast: Yes

OUR CONTACT:Autumn Russian989-399-3906

Hampton Sleeps Room Type # RoomsAvailable

Costper day

Available Nights

2695 Tittabawassee RoadSaginaw, MI 48604

4 Standard King(King + pullout)

28 $139.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

4 Double(2 Queens)

20 $139.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

4 King Suite(King + pullout)

17 $159.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Reservations: 989-797-2220(ask for Samantha in group sales)Say you have a group rate with “META”

6 Queen Suite(2 Queens + pullout)

0 $159.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Pool: YesBreakfast: Yes

OUR CONTACT:Autumn Russian989-399-3906

Fairfield Inn Sleeps Room Type # RoomsAvailable

Cost Available Nights

5200 Fashion Square BoulevardSaginaw, MI 48604

Reservations: 989-297-6100Ask for Erica and say you are with META

4 Doubles(2 Queens)

30 $99.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Pool: YesBreakfast Included: Yes

OUR CONTACT:Erica Walls989-797-6100

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Comfort Suites Sleeps Room Type # RoomsAvailable

Cost Available Nights

5180 Fashion Square BoulevardSaginaw, MI 48604

2-4 King Suites(1 King + Pullout double)

10 $89.99+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Reservations: 989-797-8000(ask for Jill)Say you have a group rate with META

4-6 2 Queen Suites(2 Queens + pullout double)

19 $89.99+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Pool: YesBreakfast Included: YesIMPORTANT: RES. CUT OFF IS OCT. 15

OUR CONTACT:Jill Adelberg989-797-8000

Country Inn & Suites(The Inn at Saginaw)

Sleeps Room Type # RoomsAvailable

Cost Available Nights

2222 Tittabawassee Rd,Saginaw, MI 48604

1-2 King 10 $62.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Reservations: 989-792-7666Say you have a group rate with “META”

4 Double(2 Queens)

30 $62.00+ taxes

Thursday-Sat.

Pool: No (outdoor only, brrrrrrrrr)Breakfast Included: Yes

OUR CONTACT:Aaron989-792-7666

Another option if you don’t mind a little more travel time (these are NOT META hotels):Bay Valley Resort: http://www.bayvalley.com/accomodations.html

Fairfield Inn Bay City: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mbsbc-fairfield-inn-bay- city/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2Courtyard (Marriott) Bay City: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mbscb-courtyard-bay-city/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

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SECURITY, RULES & GUIDELINES:Please review these rules with all your delegates in advance of leaving for Festival. We recommend that you not register a delegate if you have any doubt about his or her ability to abide by these rules. While at the festival all members are expected to follow standard school rules of behavior, any conduct considered unbecoming a Thespian will result in expulsion from the festival (see VIOLATIONS). If a student is expelled, their parents will have to pick the student up immediately and at their own expense. Troupe directors and chaperones are expected to establish and strictly enforce appropriate codes of conduct while at the campus as well as the hotel. Directors and chaperones should make it a prerogative to make sure students stay in the designated areas of festival. At no time should students visit or explore other buildings or enter into the dormitory sections of buildings. If you do have a security issue during the festival, report directly to the festival information booth and/or call the appropriate number listed in your Festival program. Core Beliefs:

Take care of yourself Take care of others around you Take care of the spaces and resources we use. 

Attendance: ALL delegates are required to attend the events scheduled at Festival. Students are not permitted—under any circumstances—to leave the campus, to venture into buildings not used by the festival, or to enter dormitory buildings. Directors and chaperones must monitor their students’ whereabouts at all times.   When in the hotel, students must have a responsible adult on their floor monitoring their activities at all times. Attire: Student and adults should dress appropriately for the weather. Students are expected to wear clothes that would be appropriate in their own school’s setting. No flip-flops or other open-ended shoes are permitted in the theatre complex.Curfew: All delegates must be in their assigned hotel room no later than 12:00 a.m.   Quiet hours—with lights out—are no later than 1:00 a.m. Directors/chaperones must be sure that delegates are in their rooms by the 12:00 a.m. curfew each evening. Immediately following curfew, female directors/chaps must check (in-person) the rooms of female delegates, and male directors/chaps must conduct (in-person) checks of male delegates’ rooms. Earlier curfew times are encouraged.Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco/Weapons: Delegates who consume illegal drugs or alcohol during Festival will be returned home (see Violations). The university is a smoke-free campus; smoking is not permitted in any campus building. Delegates (adults and students) bringing weapons of any type onto campus will be sent home immediately.  Health Information: The troupe director and their appointed chaperones are to handle all issues of illness and injury in accordance with their school’s stated policies and procedures.  All troupe sponsors are expected to carry school/district approved health forms, release forms, emergency numbers, and/or permission slips with them at all times for anyone coming with their troupe. All incidents of major illness or injury must also be reported to the state director—report to the lobby information area. The director of that student will be responsible for filing an ‘Incident Report’ with the State Director. Hospital and/or clinic information can be found in the Festival Program.Hotel: With the exception of life-long partners, delegates (students and adults alike) will not be permitted in rooms of members of the opposite sex. If any student(s) from a school is occupying a common space of the hotel, such as the pool, at least one chaperone from that school should be present for supervision. At least one META representative will be

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available at each hotel via a security number listed in the Festival Program.Delegates are not permitted to either play music (radios, CD’s, MP3s, etc.) or games (Xbox, Wii, etc.) in their rooms after 12:00 a.m. Please remind students to be respectful of hotel guests and keep their televisions and voices at a respectable volume.Injuries & Emergencies: Emergency information must be communicated directly to the head of META security.  The director of festival security is Scott Finn (773) 399-0290.  When calling be ready to report: Location, name, director, school name, type of incident. Delegates in need of transportation to the hospital should call 911 if it’s an emergency. All major incidents must be reported to the state director. The director of that student will be responsibility for filing an ‘Incident Report’ with the State Director. Hospital and/or clinic information can be found in the Festival Program.Property damage: Delegates will be responsible for damage they create to any properties on or off campus. The Festival will bill the delegate, the parents, and/or the school for damage fees not collected at check-out.Photography: Professional photographs will be taken throughout the Festival and will be made available for free on our website: www.michiganthespians.com. It is assumed that delegates will be featured in these photos, whether it is photos of shows, workshops or other events. Some of those photos may be used for future marketing. If for some reason you or a student wants a photo removed, please let the state director, Erik Hart, know.Violations: Delegates violating Festival security rules and regulations will meet with their directors and/or chaperones, security and the Festival Director. Students in violation of the rules will be sent home. Parents of any student will then be responsible for picking up their son/daughter regardless of time and day. If a student is sent home from the Festival for any reason, the parents, guardians, or next of kin will be financially responsible for all costs incurred in returning the student home and the student will be banned from all future Thespian events. If three or more delegates under the supervision of the same director/chaperone are required to meet with security personnel or the state director, the director and his/her troupe may be banned from attending future Thespian Festivals & META events.

Please Note:Neither Saginaw Valley State University nor the Michigan Educational Theatre Association is responsible for loss or damage of personal effects, money, or valuables.

It is the school director’s responsibility that all students, parents and chaperones are aware of these rules and that they are strictly enforced. Failure to comply with these rules and guidelines may result in a school’s suspension from future Thespian Festivals & META events.

MICHIGAN YOUTH ARTS FESTIVALINDIVIDUAL EVENT SHOWCASE THEATRE GUIDELINES

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DATES: May 18th-20th 2017

PURPOSEThe individual event theatre component of the Michigan Youth Arts Festival

recognizes outstanding theatre performances on the secondary school level. The Michigan Thespians, a chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (META) selects the representative(s) for the Michigan Youth Arts Festival using the evaluations at a minimum of two different levels of performance.

Qualifying high school students must be selected at their district level as one of two qualifiers in their event to move on to participation at the state theatre festival. Superior rankings at the state level will qualify that student for MYAF auditions as well as for the national theatre festival. A team of highly qualified theatre educators and/or professionals will make the final invitations for participation in the MYAF Individual Event Showcase.

ELIGIBILITYStudent must receive an overall rating of “Superior” to have the option of

performing at the Youth Arts Festival. Directors will be able to submit eligible students after Festival if they decide to attend MYAF.

RULES OF PARTICIPATIONThe various rules and regulations governing the META individual event theatre

series are contained in Festival Activities Handbook. Rules for each individual event and assessment criteria are available in the festival activities handbook mentioned above. Some events that receive a ‘Superior’ rating will not be able to showcase at MYAF. Certain events that we recognize do not have a spot at MYAF. The Individual Event Showcase will be made up of representative performances from some of the following:

Monologue, Duet Acting, Ensemble ActingSolo Musical, Duet Musical, Group Musical TheatreScenic Design, Lighting Design, Make-up DesignCostume Design, Costume Construction, Publicity Design, Short Film

Students must also cover the registration cost of MYAF. This year’s cost is $250.

MYA Festival Website: https://www.michiganyoutharts.org/festival

LORI HATHAWAY’S CONACT INFO:e-mail: loriannsoares@hotmail.comphone number: 231 872-5532

A LISTING OF FORMS (to be completed/returned)

Performance Request Form (optional: complete Google doc.)

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Festival Registration Form (required: complete Google doc.)

Delegate & I.E. Form (required: email as an attachment)

College and/or Thespian Scholarship Auditions (students participating must register via Accept.com by Oct.31st)

Hotel Reservations—made on your own by Nov.1st

All forms and documents can also be found at:www.michiganthespians.com

Feel free to call me for help if you have difficulty filling out/sending forms.

If you choose to fill out any forms by hand (and accept the corresponding fee), or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

DAVE SPRINGER6500 25 Mile Rd.Shelby Township, MI 48316586-797-1447 (school)586-797-1301 (fax)david.springer@uticak12.org

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COPY AND DISTRIBUTE ANY PAGE IN THIS PACKET

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