Thespys® Rules & Rubrics

The International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys®) celebrate student achievement in theatre, providing professional feedback and the chance to advance to the International Thespian Festival (ITF).

Before You Get Started:

Thinking about entering a Thespy®? This page has everything you need to prepare. Each category has its own set of rules and a scoring rubric — the same tool adjudicators will use to evaluate your work. If you understand the rubric, you’ll know exactly what skills to practice and highlight in your performance or portfolio.

Here’s what to do first:

  1. Pick your category and confirm your material is on the Approved Materials List. **Technical categories can choose any show to design; no title/show approval is needed.

  2. Read the official category page to learn specific requirements.

  3. Download the rubric and use it as a preparation checklist.

  4. Work with your teacher or troupe director to rehearse and refine.

  5. Have your troupe director complete Thespys® Registration by January 5, 2026 to participate.

The Thespys are about growth as much as recognition. Use this as an opportunity to stretch your skills, try new things, and showcase your artistry.

General Rules

  • Eligibility: Thespys® at the Montana Festival are open to all high school theatre students.

  • Festival Registration Required: Participation in Thespys® requires separate registration for the Montana Thespian Festival. Students must be registered for Festival through their Troupe/Theatre Director to participate in Thespys®.

  • Introductions: Begin with your name(s), troupe number, and title of selection.

  • Time Limits:

    • Monologue: 3 minutes

    • Two-Person Scene: 5 minutes

    • Musical Theatre (Solo or Ensemble): 5 minutes

    • Technical/Design: 5–8 minutes (+ up to 4 minutes Q&A)

  • Dress Code: Dress simply and professionally (no costumes, wigs, or makeup).

  • Props: Props are not allowed in performance categories.

  • Registration Deadline: Thespys® registrations must be submitted by January 5, 2026. Late entries cannot be accepted.

  • Scoring: Adjudicators use rubrics to score entries as Fair, Good, Excellent, or Superior. Superior ratings may advance to ITF.

2026 Categories

🎨 Technical & Design

Stage Management
Present a portfolio demonstrating your work as a stage manager, including prompt book samples, rehearsal reports, and leadership evidence. Evaluated on organization, communication, and process.

Lighting Design
Present a design with concept statements, plots, and renderings for a published play or musical. Evaluated on artistic vision, technical execution, and storytelling through light.

Costume Design
Create and present designs for a published play or musical, including renderings, research, and fabric choices. Evaluated on creativity, research application, and design clarity.

🎭 Performance

Monologue (Acting)
Perform a single monologue from an approved published play. Evaluated on character work, vocal/physical choices, pacing, and storytelling.

Two-Person Scene (Acting)
Perform a duet scene from an approved published play. Evaluated on partner interaction, listening, pacing, and ensemble work.

Musical Theatre Performance (Solo)
Perform one solo musical theatre selection from an approved published score. Evaluated on vocal technique, acting choices, and integration of song and story.

*Please bring a phone or other device with Bluetooth capability for playing your music. Make sure your track is fully downloaded, that you have the rights or permission to use the song, and that it will play without advertisements or streaming interruptions. Have your track cued and ready before your performance.

Musical Theatre Performance (Ensemble)
Perform one group musical theatre selection (3–16 students) from an approved published score. Evaluated on vocal technique, acting choices, ensemble work, and integration of song and story.

*Please bring a phone or other device with Bluetooth capability for playing your music. Make sure your track is fully downloaded, that you have the rights or permission to use the song, and that it will play without advertisements or streaming interruptions. Have your track cued and ready before your performance.

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 confirm their interest by contacting Kay Sibson, Thespys® Coordinator, at kay@novapricity.com no later than December 15, 2025.

Please note:

Resources

Register for Thespys® - OPEN: November 2025

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

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) at Thespys®

At Montana Thespians, we believe theatre should be a space where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Our Thespys® adjudication follows the national rules, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility:

  • Fair scoring: Adjudicators evaluate based only on the official Thespys® rubrics. Personal factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, body type, neurodiversity, or disability do not impact scoring.

  • Freedom of roles: Students may perform roles of any gender. Scripted text (including pronouns) must remain as written unless you have express written permission from the rights holder.

  • Respectful material choices: We encourage students and directors to select material with cultural awareness and responsiveness. When working with stories from cultures or perspectives different from your own, please approach with care, respect, and an understanding of historical and social context. This helps avoid cultural appropriation or misrepresentation.

  • Celebrate your voice: We urge students to explore material that connects with their own identity, or that they can approach with empathy, thoughtfulness, and integrity.

  • Accessibility matters: Deaf or hard-of-hearing students may use a conductor in Musical Theatre or Dance categories. A revised rubric is available to ensure fairness. If you need accommodations of any kind, please let us know — we are committed to making participation accessible.

If you have any questions or concerns about DEIA, accommodations, or adjudication, please reach out to us at kay@novapricity.com.

FAQs

  • Yes. The EdTA Approved Materials List is the default requirement for all performance categories. Students may also choose a piece or work that is in the public domain. Public domain selections must still follow all Thespys® rules for content and timing.

  • No. EdTA sets the Approved Materials List each year. Montana Thespians cannot approve exceptions for copyrighted works that are not on that list.

  • Explore examples at Project Gutenberg and The Public Domain Review. These are helpful starting points for identifying texts that are no longer under copyright.

  • No.
    Technical and design category participants (costume, scenic, lighting, sound, stage management, etc.) are not required to use titles from the Approved Materials List.


    Designers may base their work on any show — including copyrighted works — since design projects do not involve performance or reproduction of the script and therefore do not require licensing.

  • Yes. Include the show title in your registration so adjudicators have context for your design or stage management materials. No licensing documentation is required for technical categories.

  • Enter the exact title in your Thespys® registration. Use the title as it appears on the EdTA list, or list the public domain work with author and any relevant edition details. There is no separate title approval form. The title must be accurate in your registration.