THESPYS & Performance Opportunities

The International Thespian Awards (formerly the National Individual Events Showcase) is an educational program that offers Thespian Festival delegates the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on prepared theatrical material and technical designs. 

The MN Thespian Festival is going to be in person on January 13th and 14th, INCLUDING the MN THESPY Competition which will take place LIVE again this year right at festival!

• What is a Thespy? A THESPY is the International Theatre Excellence Awards. There are 21 categories that you can enter into. Professionals in theatre arts give you feedback on your performances and presentations. You then have a chance to qualify for International Thespian Festival. More questions? Visit About THESPYS.

• How do I participate? Once registration opens, you'll go HERE (link provided once registration is open).  

• How much does it cost? This year, the cost will be $10 per entry (limit of 2).  Each entry must be in a different category.

• When can I start? You can start preparing your pieces TODAY!!    Look at the info below! 

• Questions? Contact Ms. Tracy Caponigri: tcaponig@sowashco.org. 

You do not need to be an inducted Thespian to participate at the state level, but if you advance and wish to perform at ITF, you will need to become an inducted Thespian member.

For more information about the THESPYS, including rules for each category...

<--Thespys Program Guide, including event requirements and rules

<--Category Summary Guide

<--Community Standard and Copyright Compliance Form

Registration for the International Thespian Awards is included on the Student Registration Form.

Each year several schools present one acts at the MN Thespian Conference.  Participants receive feedback and one school is invited to perform at the International Thespian Festival Chapter Select Showcase in June. Thespian Troupes that wish to submit a one act for consideration as the MN Thespian Chapter Select One Act may do so using the following process. (Schools must have an active Thespian Troupe as of December 1st, 2023.)

Registration for Chapter Select is part of the School Registration Form.

Freestyle Theatre is an opportunity for any Minnesota school to present a performance of thirty minutes or less from any genre (improv, one act, musical, etc.)  The performance slot includes a ten minute setup, thirty minute performance, and five minute strike. 

Applications will be prioritized in a first come, first served order (except as described in the Chapter Select Process).  Participating schools will be charged a $25 performance fee. 

Registration for Freestyle is part of the School Registration Form.

L-R: Anthony Monteleone, Mary Katherine Shultz, Spencer Wareing, Evan Goebel

In 2022 - MN Thespian Evan Goebel was one of FOUR playwrights chosen to have his work presented at International Thespians. 

• Evan Goebel  - Pink

Cambridge-Isanti High School, Troupe 8406 | Cambridge, MN

• Anthony Monteleone - Timeline'd!

Campbell County High School, Troupe 3536 | Gillette, WY

• Mary Katherine Shultz - Jackpot

Lawrence Free State High School, Troupe 5773 | Lawrence, KS

• Spencer Wareing - Boarding for Neverland

Saguaro High School, Troupe 3584 | Scottsdale, AZ