Thespian Festival Registration

How to Register

  1. Complete Pre-Registration (opens October 16, 2025; due November 3, 2025).

  2. Submit Final Registration (opens December 1, 2025; due January 12, 2026).

  3. Wait for your invoice. After your Final Registration is processed, an invoice with exact fees and payment instructions will be sent.

  4. Send payment by check following the invoice instructions. All Festival payments are due by January 30, 2026.

    • Payments should be made only after receiving your invoice, which will outline your exact fees and instructions.

👉 Note: Registration and payments for Thespys® (formerly Individual Events) are separate processes with their own forms, deadlines, and fees.

Key Dates & Deadlines – 2026

  • Pre-Registration Opens: October 16, 2025

  • Pre-Registration Due: November 3, 2025

  • Final Registration Opens: December 1, 2025 (Pre-reg required)

  • Thespys® Registration Due: January 5, 2026

  • Thespys® Payments Due: January 12, 2026

  • Final Registration & All Materials Due: January 12, 2026

  • All Payments Due: January 30, 2026

  • Festival Dates: February 13–14, 2026

Festival Fees – 2026

Attendance Fees

  • Students (Both Days): $68

  • Teachers/Directors (Both Days): $68

  • STO President: No charge

  • STOs: $50

  • Friday Only: $58

  • Saturday Only: $45

Additional Fees

  • Backstage Challenge: $15 per school

  • Chapter Select: $50 per school

  • Thespys (formerly Individual Events): $15 per category

What Your Registration Includes

For Students:

  • Access to all mainstage performances

  • Access to all Festival workshops

  • Friday Banquet (semi-formal dinner included)

  • Ticket to the Friday night UM/Guest Performance

  • The opportunity to represent your school and troupe at a statewide level

  • The chance to compete in Thespys®, earn Festival awards and trophies, and qualify for the International Thespian Festival (ITF)

For Adults (Directors/Teachers):

  • Access to all mainstage performances

  • Access to all Festival workshops

  • Friday Banquet (semi-formal dinner included)

  • Ticket to the Friday night UM/Guest Performance

  • Saturday Troupe Director Annual Meeting Lunch (for directors or authorized voting reps)

  • The opportunity to connect with fellow theatre educators statewide, share resources, and collaborate

  • A platform to showcase your school’s theatre program, gain recognition for your troupe, and highlight the value of theatre within your district and community

  • The chance for your students and troupe to earn awards, statewide recognition, and qualify for the International Thespian Festival (ITF)

 FAQs

  • Yes. We have arranged a limited hotel block for Festival attendees. Details (including rates, booking information, and availability) will be provided in your Pre-Registration and Final Registration materials.

    We encourage schools to review lodging information early once materials are released because space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Please email Sarah DeGrandpre (chapterdirector@mthespians.com) as soon as possible. Pre-registration is required before Final Registration; exceptions are handled case-by-case, but we do everything we can to include any troupes or schools that would like to attend.

  • Start with the Festival resources. Each year, we publish updated packets and policies that cover almost everything you need to know, including:

    • Troupe Director Packet

    • Student Packet

    • Performance Packet

    • Festival Policies & Terms

    These resources are designed to answer nearly every common question — from schedules and expectations to performances, workshops, and policies. Links will be shared during Pre-Registration and Final Registration, and can be accessed anytime through the Festival Resources page.

  • All Festival payments are due by January 30, 2026. Late payments incur a $75 fee, plus $75 each additional month until paid.

    There are exceptions for specific circumstances. Please get in touch with the CFO, Kay Sibson (kay@novapricity.com), for other arrangements.

    • After you complete Final Registration, you will be sent an official invoice with your school’s exact balance and payment instructions.

    • All Festival payments must be made by check following the invoice. Please do not try to calculate and send payment early—wait for your invoice.

    • Thespys fees are billed and paid separately through their own registration system.

    • If you have questions about payment or invoices, contact Kay Sibson at kay@novapricity.com

  • No. Thespys is optional and has its own registration, deadlines, and fee. Festival registration does not include Thespys.

  • Yes. You can choose Friday-only or Saturday-only registration instead of both days. See the Fees section for current rates.

  • Edits or substitutions may be made after the January 12, 2026, due date, with a $15 per-change fee.

  • Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for the current refund/adjustment policy. If you have a unique situation, contact chapterdirector@mthespians.com

  • Registration & General Inquiries:

    Chapter Director — Sarah DeGrandpre chapterdirector@mthespians.com

    Payments & Invoicing:

    CFO — Kay Sibson kay@novapricity.com