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Thespys

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One-Act Supplement or Alternative #

Thespys are individual, pair, and small group (3-16 students) performance and technical presentation ratings-based (non-comparative/competitive) contests — inspired by auditions — governed by standards established by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). WISDAA administers two Thespys contests: (1) a virtual practice in October, and (2) State Festival Thespys & Auditions, which can earn high school students qualification to the Thepsys contest held at the International Thespian Festival (ITS)*. Middle Level students may participate in both, but will not earn qualification to ITS.

* In order to participate in the ITS, students must be inducted into an EdTA member school-based troupe, but that can be done after they earn Thespy qualification.

Irrespective of whether a school is participating in the One-Act Play contest and/or has or plans to have membership in the EdTA, an advisor/director may register students in Thespys as an additional, enrichment opportunity.

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About State Thespys/Auditions
Open Thespy Registration
State Thespy Registration

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SpeechWire Email Requirements

Categories Overview #

Category Rules Max Time Allowed Description
Acting
Monologue 1 3 min. For contrasting monologues, show different aspects of performer’s range, perspective, or emotional depth – not just differences in time period or style. This could include shifts in tone (comedy vs. drama), energy level, emotional journey, or character’s point of view. The goal is to demonstrate versatility and thoughtful storytelling rather than meeting a checklist of categories.
Contrasting Monologues 1 3 min.
Two-Person Scene 2 5 min. x 2 Prepare a non-musical scene from a published theatrical work (play or musical)
Ensemble Acting 3-16 5 min. x 6 +Table
Musical Theatre Performance
Solo 1 5 min. Singing and acting performance from published score written for musical theatre. All musical theatre performances must be accompanied by a pre-recorded, non-vocal musical track. A cappella performances are not permitted unless the selection was specifically written to be performed as such in the musical. See rules (green button) for more specifics on audio files and playback. The track may not contain vocals of any kind (leading or background vocals).
Duet 2 5 min. x 2
Ensemble 3-16 5 min. x 6 +Table
Musical Theatre Dance
Solo 1 5 min. Dance performance from published score written for musical theatre. All musical theatre dance performances must be accompanied by a pre-recorded, musical track. See rules (green button) for more specifics on audio files and playback.
Duet 2 5 min. x 2
Ensemble 3-16 5 min. x 6 +Table
Technical Theatre & Writing
Costume Construction 1 5-8 min. + 4 min. optional Q&A with adjud. + Present a realized execution for one costume, plus portfolio, for a published theatrical work.
Costume Design 1 Create and present 5 color costume designs, plus portfolio, for a published theatrical work.
Lighting Design 1 Create and present a lighting design/plot, plus portfolio, for a published theatrical work.
Makeup Design 1 Create and present 5 character renderings and a makeup portfolio for a published theatrical work.
Scenic Design 1 Create and present a set design scale model up to three unique scenes/locations, plus portfolio, for a published theatrical work.
Prop Construction 1 Prop + Present and discuss the purpose for and process of creating one (1) completed prop constructed for use in a published theatrical work. A “prop” is defined as any object used by an actor in a performance that isn’t part of the set or worn as a costume piece or accessory.
Sound Design 1 Create and present a sound design of sound effects/cues, plus portfolio, for a published theatrical work.
Stage Management 1 Create and present a prompt book as part of a portfolio, for a published theatrical work.
Theatre Marketing 1 Create and present a marketing campaign as part of a portfolio, for a published theatrical work.
Playwriting 1 n/a Student writes one original short play (30 minutes or less). Collaborative works or adaptations are not permitted, nor are plays that include music, lyrics, or dialogue written by anyone other than the submitting writer.
Short Film
Animated 1-16 5 min. + 1 min. credits YouTube Create an original film, either as an individual or as part of a student group.
Documentary
Live Action

Rules & Resources #

WARNING: Directors are responsible for testing each video link to ensure they are publicly viewable to anyone with the link. They should use an incognito/private browser window — not logged in to any service — to ensure a link is publicly accessible, so adjudicators will have access to that information to evaluate.

Rubrics/Rules
Approved Material
Sharing Video Files
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Updated on 08/13/2025

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