Download The Michigan Educational Theatre Association

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
1
Table of Contents
3….…..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 yearround 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
([email protected]), 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 ([email protected]).
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 Hart
META Chapter Director
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DELEGATE INFORMATION
What 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 fulllength 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
of production.
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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
application.
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5.)
6.)
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.
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 EVENTS
Individual Events or “I.E.s” as they are commonly referred to, are intended to be a noncompetitive, educational offering for students. Students have the opportunity to receive
constructive feedback from professional judges on their prepared theatrical material and
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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
Solo Dance
Group Dance
Monologue
Duet Acting
Group Acting
Solo Musical Theatre
Duet Musical Theatre
Group Musical Theatre
Technical
Costume Design
Playwriting
Costume Construction
Stage Management
Theatre Marketing
Short Film
Scenic Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design
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
SUPERIOR + SUPERIOR + EXCELLENT
SUPERIOR + SUPERIOR + GOOD
SUPERIOR + EXCELLENT + EXCELLENT
SUPERIOR + EXCELLENT + GOOD
EXCELLENT + EXCELLENT + EXCELLENT
SUPERIOR + GOOD + GOOD
EXCELLENT + EXCELLENT + GOOD
EXCELLENT + GOOD + GOOD
GOOD + GOOD + GOOD
= SUPERIOR
= SUPERIOR
= SUPERIOR
= EXCELLENT
= EXCELLENT
= EXCELLENT
= EXCELLENT
= EXCELLENT
= GOOD
= GOOD
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Recognition for Participants
Recipients 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
([email protected]) 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
([email protected]) 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.
EXHIBITORS
Both 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
[email protected]
DANCE
Friday 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.
SHOWCASE
Saturday 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 CEREMONIES
The 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 COMPETITION
The 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 & DISTRIBUTION
1.
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.
ELIGIBILITY
1.
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).
JUDGING
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Five neutral judges will be appointed by the Festival and/or Chapter Director.
Judging will take place on the Saturday of the Michigan Thespian Festival.
Students will not receive formal feedback either verbal or written.
Students will be judged based on their performance/presentation as well as their
answers to the judges’ questions.
Winners will be announced at the conclusion of Festival.
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APPLICATION PROCEDURES
All 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: [email protected]
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 selfpresentation. 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.
14
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 DESCRIPTION
1. 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.
ELIGIBILITY
1. 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 troupe
4. Incomplete or incorrect application materials may mean disqualification.
JUDGING
1.
2.
3.
4.
Judging will take place on the Saturday of the Michigan Thespian Festival.
Each institution will send a representative(s) to make their selections
based on their own review process.
Students may or may not receive oral feedback after their audition and/or
callback
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:
[email protected]
 College Scholarship auditions take place on the Saturday of festival.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Application procedures can be downloaded from our website starting early September:
http://michiganthespians.org/student-documents/
15
(Sample Resume):
YOUR NAME
Age:
Height:
Weight:
17
5’9”
160
ACTING
MACBETH
SHOW (All caps)
SHOW (All caps)
SHOW (All caps)
SHOW (All caps)
SHOW (All caps)
SHOW (All caps)
DANCE
GISELLE
DANCE PIECE
DANCE PIECE
Eye Color: GREEN
Hair:
BLOND
Voice:
TENOR
Malcolm
Role
Role
Role
Role
Role
Role
Aerial Dance Theatre
Company
Company
TRAINING
Class taken
“Acting for Film” Workshop
Taught By
Michael Chandlers
Happy High School
Where
Where
Where
Where
Where
Where
New York, NY
Where
Where
Where
Chelsea Summer Rep.
AWARDS
Best 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
16
A (SAMPLE) FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
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
9:00-9:30
9:30-11:30
12-2
12-7
Arrival at The Temple Theatre for check in
Opening Ceremonies
Show #1 (in the Temple Theatre)
Lunch at SVSU
Individual Events Competition
Workshops/One Acts
Exhibitor Tables
5-7
Dinner at SVSU
7-9
Show #2 (at SVSU)
9-10:30
Dance at SVSU
10:30-11:00 Head back to Hotel
Midnight
Sleep
Saturday:
8:30-5
9-7
10:00 AM
12-3
2:30-6
4-7
5:30-6
7:00-9:00
9-10:30
10:30
Scholarship Competitions
Exhibitor Booths
Show #3 (at SVSU)
Lunch at SVSU
Workshops/One Acts
Dinner at SVSU
Scholarship Callbacks/Arrival at Temple Theatre
Student Showcase at The Temple Theatre
Awards and Closing Ceremonies (at The Temple Theatre)
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.
17
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 @
SVSU). Festival Activities include Individual Events Competition, Workshops, Performances,
Exhibitor Booths, the Dance, and the Thespian Scholarship Competition. The pricing is “allinclusive” 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 4th
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 [email protected] and a payable invoice will be sent to you via PayPal. If
you are sending a check, mail to:
David Springer
6500 25 Mile Rd.
Shelby Township, MI 48316
18
RECEIPT:
Once, payment has been received, you will be sent a confirmation email. Physical receipts are
available by request only.
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected].
LOCATIONS OF FESTIVAL
Michigan 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 Theatre
203 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 University
Curtiss Hall
7400 Bay Road
University 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.
19
Entrance to Curtiss Hall (main entrance doors are just behind that tree in the photo below)
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.
20
TRAVEL:
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.
21
ARRIVAL AT THE TEMPLE THEATRE:
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 Theatre
203 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.
22
HOTEL INFORMATION:
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
5230 Fashion Square Boulevard
Saginaw, MI 48604
4
King Studio
(King w/ pullout)
6
Two Bedroom
Suite
OUR CONTACT:
Brittany Askew
989-397-9042
Reservations: 989-799-9000
Say you have a group rate with META
Pool: Yes
Breakfast Included: Yes
Room Type
TownePlace Suites
Sleeps
5368 Fashion Square Boulevard
Saginaw, MI 48604
4
Studio King
(King + pullout)
4
4
Reservations: 989-792-2200
Say you have a group rate with META
Pool: Yes
Breakfast Included: Continental
6
# Rooms
Available
20
Room Type
5
Cost
per day
$89.00
+ taxes
Available Nights
$124.00
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat
Thursday-Sat.
# Rooms
Available
20
Cost
per day
$89.00
+ taxes
Available
Nights
Thursday-Sat.
Studio Queen
(2 Queens)
1 Bedroom Suite
(King + pullout)
10
$89.00
+ taxes
$104.00
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
2 Bedroom Suite
(2 Queens beds in
separate rooms with a
shared living room)
OUR CONTACT:
Brittany Askew
989-397-9042
5
$124.00
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
0
Thursday-Sat.
23
Four Points by Sheraton
Sleeps
4960 Towne Center Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48604
1-2
4
Reservations: 989-399-3901
King
Double
(2 Queens)
King Parlor Suite
(King + Pullout Sofa)
4
(ask for Jessica in group sales)
Say you have a group rate with META
Pool: Yes
Breakfast Included: No,
But can be purchased at restaurant
Sleeps
2501 Tittabawasee Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48604
1-2
4
4
4-6
Say you are a group with META
Pool Yes:
Breakfast: Yes
Room Type
King
Double
(2 Queens)
King Suite
(King + Pullout)
Double Queen Suite
(2 Queens + Pullout)
OUR CONTACT:
Autumn Russian
989-399-3906
Hampton
Sleeps
2695 Tittabawassee Road
Saginaw, MI 48604
4
Standard King
(King + pullout)
4
Double
(2 Queens)
King Suite
(King + pullout)
Queen Suite
(2 Queens +
pullout)
4
Reservations: 989-797-2220
6
(ask for Samantha in group sales)
Say you have a group rate with “META”
Pool: Yes
Breakfast: Yes
Fairfield Inn
5200 Fashion Square Boulevard
Saginaw, MI 48604
Reservations: 989-297-6100
Ask for Erica and say you are with META
Pool: Yes
Breakfast Included: Yes
# Rooms
Available
55
Cost
per day
$99.00
+ taxes
Available Nights
60
$99.00
+ taxes
$119.00
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
5
Thursday-Sat.
Thursday-Sat.
OUR CONTACT:
Autumn Russian
989-399-3906
Holiday Inn Express
Reservations: 989-792-7500
Room Type
Room Type
# Rooms
Available
10
Cost
per day
$117.99
+ taxes
Available Nights
30
$117.99
+ taxes
$117.99
+ taxes
$117.99
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
# Rooms
Available
28
Cost
per day
$139.00
+ taxes
Available Nights
20
$139.00
+ taxes
$159.00
+ taxes
$159.00
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
15
4
17
0
Thursday-Sat.
Thursday-Sat.
Thursday-Sat.
Thursday-Sat.
Thursday-Sat.
Thursday-Sat.
OUR CONTACT:
Autumn Russian
989-399-3906
Sleeps
4
Room Type
Doubles
(2 Queens)
OUR CONTACT:
Erica Walls
989-797-6100
# Rooms
Available
30
Cost
Available Nights
$99.00
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
24
Comfort Suites
Sleeps
5180 Fashion Square Boulevard
Saginaw, MI 48604
2-4
Reservations: 989-797-8000
4-6
(ask for Jill)
Say you have a group rate with META
Pool: Yes
Breakfast Included: Yes
IMPORTANT: RES. CUT OFF IS OCT. 15
Country Inn & Suites
(The Inn at Saginaw)
Sleeps
2222 Tittabawassee Rd,
Saginaw, MI 48604
1-2
Reservations: 989-792-7666
Say you have a group rate with “META”
Pool: No (outdoor only, brrrrrrrrr)
Breakfast Included: Yes
4
Room Type
King Suites
(1 King + Pullout
double)
2 Queen Suites
(2 Queens +
pullout double)
OUR CONTACT:
Jill Adelberg
989-797-8000
Room Type
# Rooms
Available
10
19
# Rooms
Available
Cost
Available Nights
$89.99
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
$89.99
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
Cost
Available
Nights
King
10
$69.99
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
Double
(2 Queens)
OUR CONTACT:
Rick
989-792-7666
30
$69.99
+ taxes
Thursday-Sat.
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-baycity/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
Courtyard (Marriott) Bay City: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mbscb-courtyardbay-city/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
25
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 flipflops 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
26
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
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) 3990290. 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.
27
MICHIGAN YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL
INDIVIDUAL EVENT SHOWCASE THEATRE GUIDELINES
DATES: May 18th-20th 2017
PURPOSE
The 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.
ELIGIBILITY
Student 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 PARTICIPATION
The 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 Acting
Solo Musical, Duet Musical, Group Musical Theatre
Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Make-up Design
Costume 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: [email protected]
phone number: 231 872-5532
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A LISTING OF FORMS (to be completed/returned)
 Performance Request Form (optional: complete Google doc.)
 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 SPRINGER
6500 25 Mile Rd.
Shelby Township, MI 48316
586-797-1447 (school)
586-797-1301 (fax)
[email protected]
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COPY AND DISTRIBUTE ANY PAGE IN THIS PACKET
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