Nationwide, Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) International Thespian Society chapters (states) recognize outstanding achievements in one-act plays. Wisconsin Thespians is excited to offer this amazing opportunity through its partnership with WISDAA.
In some years (via advance lottery), but not every year, a state-level chapter can nominate one production to travel to and exhibit their performance at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) in June at Indiana University Bloomington.
Presented in partnership with:
Opt-In Option #
When completing WISDAA’s initial one-act registration in early autum, schools can opt-in to have their show appraised on EdTA’s scoring rubric, should that show advance to the WISDAA State Festvial. Based on the scoring rubric, one school will be selected as Wisconsin’s Chapter Select. Middle Level schools may participate in the WISDAA one-act contest, but cannot earn qualification to ITF in years that is offered. A school also must register for membership as a Thespian Troupe and pay dues to the Educational Theatre Association.
EdTA Rules & Rubric #
Scenery/Set Piece Restrictions at ITF #
Emphasis is on storytelling, so no scenery nor set pieces (except those listed below) are allowed at the International Thespian Festival (ITF).
All materials brought for a show must fit within an 8 ft. x 8 ft. square at ITF.
Each item must fit through a single, standard door and can be carried on and off stage by one person during the performance at ITF.
These items, (in quantities noted) that may be carried by more than one person may be brought by schools to WISDAA festivals and do not count as part of what must fit within an 8 ft. x 8 ft. square. At the International Thespian Festival, all these items will be provided by the EdTA (but will not be provided in Wisconsin).
- Desk (1)
- Stationary (non-wheeled) desk chair (1)
- Kitchen table (1)
- Stools (6)
- 16-inch square cubes (8)
- Stacking chairs (6)
- Bench (1)
- Ladder (1)
- Music stands (8)
How to Opt-In #
When completing initial registration for the season (pre-district) on SpeechWire, directors/teachers will indicate a non-binding intent to participate if their one-act advances to the state festival (to help us plan).
In mid-October, WISDAA will notify directors if the International Thespian Festival has awarded Wisconsin a slot for performance. If Wisconsin is not awarded a slot, appraisal-adjudication will still happen at our state festival for “Chapter Select” honors; they just will not advance to the International Thespian Festival.
After a school advances from sectional one-act contests to the state level, directors must complete registration confirmation for the state festival.
2024-25: Prescott HS, A Murder of Crows
