Montana Thespians Thespys®

Show your best work. Get expert feedback. Qualify for Nationals.

Thespys are performance and technical theatre adjudications where students present their best work, receive rubric-based feedback, and can qualify for the International Thespian Festival (ITF) finals in June. Students who earn a Superior rating at our qualifying event are invited to the national finals.

If you cannot travel, ITF also offers a virtual finals option.

Key Dates & Fees

Thespys Registration Open: November 10th, 2025

Thespys Registration Due (via Troupe Director): Monday, January 5th, 2026 by 5:00 PM MT

Thespys Payments Due: Monday, January 12th, 2026

Entry fee: $15 per category

Online card payments: $16.10 per category (includes processing fee)

Why Participate:

  • Polish a piece, portfolio, or prompt book you can also use for scholarship auditions or interviews

  • Receive written feedback from trained adjudicators to grow your craft

  • Build a portfolio for college, conservatories, and future work

  • Perform or present for an audience that understands theatre

  • Earn recognition at the chapter level, with the chance to advance to ITF finals

Who Can Enter:

  • For the Montana Thespian Festival, Thespys® are open to all high school theatre students. To advance to the International Thespian Festival (ITF), students must be active, inducted Thespians registered with EdTA.

  • Important: All Thespys registrations must be submitted by your Troupe/Theatre Director (teacher). Students may not register themselves.

  • If you hope to advance to Nationals, talk with your Troupe or Theatre Director to confirm eligibility.

  • If you are having difficulty getting registered through your Troupe Director, contact Kay Sibson (Thespy Coordinator) at kay@novapricity.com for assistance.

Accessibility: If you need accommodations, tell your Troupe Director so they can include it on your registration form. We will coordinate with you.

Categories offered at Thespian Festival 2026

Technical and Design:

  • Stage Management

  • Lighting Design

  • Costume Design

Performance:

  • Monologue

  • 2-Person Scene

  • Musical Theatre Performance (Solo)

  • Musical Theatre Performance (Ensemble)

Playwriting (Interest-Based)

At this time, Playwriting will only be offered if there is sufficient student interest and an adjudicator available. Students who wish to enter this category must contact Kay Sibson, Thespys® Coordinator, at kay@novapricity.com no later than December 15, 2025 to confirm interest.

Please note:

  • Completed plays/manuscripts must be submitted two weeks before Festival to allow adjudicators time to read them in advance.

  • If we are unable to provide adjudication at Festival, we will work with interested students to facilitate an alternate pathway for participation.

Want a different category? Email Kay Sibson, Thespy Coordinator at kay@novapricity.com, to explore alternative options if your preferred category is not listed.

Thespys® Rules & Rubrics

 FAQs

  • Yes! You can still compete nationally. ITF offers a virtual finals option for students who qualify at our event but cannot attend in person.

  • You can participate virtually in Thespys at ITF! Even if you choose not to or don’t qualify, you’ll still gain valuable adjudicator feedback, portfolio materials, and recognition at the state level. Many students use their prepared Thespys pieces for scholarships and auditions.

  • You can enter up to 2, but only one entry per category. If you have questions, please email kay@novapricity.com.

  • Email kay@novapricity.com right away to discuss next steps and options.

  • Start with the Approved Materials List.

    Pick material that inspires you and fits within the rules and time limits.

    Ask your Troupe Director for guidance—they can help make sure you’re set up for success.

  • We are committed to making Thespys inclusive for all students. Have your troupe director indicate any needs through your registration form and we’ll coordinate accommodations. If you have additional questions or concerns, email kay@novapricity.com.