1. { 2015 Thespian Convention Welcome new Thespians!

2.   Each year, Texas Thespians holds a state-wide festival, open to any active Texas Thespian Troupe. Texas Thespian State Festival (TTSF) is filled with:   Workshops   Main Stage Performances   Play Marathons   College Auditions   Performance Competitions   Technical Competitions   Nationally Acclaimed Guest Speakers   All Convention Events   Late Night Events   Thespian-related vendors are on hand with all things Thespian   Opportunities to advance to the International Thespian Society National Festival   Opportunities to meet other Thespians from all over our great state who share your passion for Theatre! What is Thespian convention?

3.  DALLAS, TEXAS!!!  Dec. 3-5, 2015  Dallas Convention Center and the Omni Hotel  Once registration is confirmed we will know our hotel. It may or may not be the Omni. When and where is Convention?

4.  $225   You can pay in increments or pay the full amount any Wednesday during 1st or 8 th (or before and after school). The total balance is due Oct. 16, 2015   Extras:   IE-$10   Scholarship-$15   Tech Challenge-$15   No need to say anything else. I’M IN!!!   Please RSVP to any director by Sept. 11 so we can start the registration process. Payment?

5.   An IE is an Individual Event.   They are performance and technical competitions for individuals. IEs are Individual Events. These events qualify for National Competitions at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska.   Performance IEs: Solo Musical, Duet Musical, Group Musical, Monologue, Duet Acting, Group Acting   Technical IEs: Sound Design, Lighting Design, Stage Management, Marketing, Costume Construction, Costume Design, Set Design What are these IE’s you speak of?

6.   We will hold IE auditions (as we are limited in the amount that we can submit) Sept. 11, 2015 in H204 from 3:00-5:00. Your selection must be competition ready (lines memorized, prompt book completed, music edited, etc.)   You must audition with the piece you want to take to take to convention.   If you commit to performing an IE or auditioning scholarship, you are still responsible for the fee is you decide not to perform/audition. Cool! How can I do an IE?

7.  If you are not selected in your category, you can choose to audition in another category if there is an open slot and with director approval. What if I don’t make an IE in the auditions next Friday?

8.   6 performance IEs AND   7 technical IEs   No student may be cross-entered into any National Qualifying Event. For example, we might have three solos, 2 duet acting, and 1 group musical AND 5 stage managers and 2 marketing! *Remember - students may only participate in ONE IE. How many IE’s can we take?

9.  Only 1 director can work on a film.  This is a National Qualifying Event. If you participate in this, you can not participate in another National Qualifying Event. What about short film?

10.   5-7 students who compete in a Tech Relay Challenge (for example: leg a platform, focus a light, fold a backdrop, etc)   Ms. Teeter will head up this group and prep them for battle.   This is not a National Qualifying Event.   Other Tech Challenges include: Set Design, Costume Design, Hair & Makeup Design and Mask Making. Tech Challenge? Challenge Accepted!!

11.   Based on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Voice,” “American Idol,” etc, this is a new talent showcase opportunity. Complete with cash prizes and state-wide bragging rights.   Contestants will compete in pre-lims and finals for a chance to perform at Closing Ceremonies. Voting will be done via Guidebook and guest judges, so get your act together and be the show stopper!   Be sure to check the Texas State Thespian Festival site for more information! Lone Star Talent Extravaganza!

12. Dress Up & Dances   DANCE THEMES  Thursday Night – Time Warp! It is a 2 Can Dance – so bring 2 Cans for admission.  Friday Night - Cowboys vs. Aliens! Need we say more?   DRESS UP THEMES  Thursday - Thrift Shop  Friday - Freaks & Geeks (Nerd Day!)  Saturday – DramaCon  We may wear our theatre shirts one day.