WISDAA has offered One-Act Play contests since 1930, and a state festival with expanded programming since 1991. One-act contests start in mid-October with the District level, with most plays entered advancing to the Sectional level in late-October/early-November. Plays earning the required threshold scores move on to the State level, always held the weekend before Thanksgiving. We also administer the Educational Theatre Association’s individual, duet, and small group Thespy contests. An “open” practice Thespy contest is held entirely online, with adjudicators asynchronously appraising pre-recorded performances or portfolio presentations; the State-level Thespy contest is held both in-person at the State Festival (alongside one-acts) as well as virtually.
WISDAA contests are school-based, meaning if students are interested in entering contests, they must have a school administration-approved sponsor/advisor who will supervise and travel with the group. Schools attending festivals at UW System campuses also must meet the responsible adult supervision protocols (§2 of the Eligibility/Participation Rules).