Short Play Contests 2026!
Registration is now OPEN!
Event Dates and Locations have been updated 3.17.26
Please read all details before starting the registration process!
NEW LOCATION - APRIL 11TH - CADDO MILLS HS
Please read all details before starting the registration process!
NEW LOCATION - APRIL 11TH - CADDO MILLS HS
SHORT PLAY CONTEST MATERIALS
Adjudication & Competition Applicants: click the Register Icon below
How can I get a receipt or invoice?
Click the button below and log-in to your registration. You will be able to download your receipt or invoice from there.
What is a Texas Thespians Short Play Contest?
Overview
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest is a new opportunity for secondary theatre programs to engage in a professionally adjudicated play competition. This contest is designed to serve junior varsity theatre companies and schools that have been eliminated in the early rounds of spring competitions, offering them a valuable platform for growth, feedback, and recognition.
1. Expanded Access and Equity
2. Educational Focus Over Competition
3. Support for Eliminated Schools
4. Recognition of All Aspects of Theatre
5. Alignment with Texas Thespians’ Mission
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest offers students constructive critiques from three adjudicators—specialists in acting, directing, and technical theatre. For developing programs, junior varsity ensembles, or schools eliminated early from spring contests, this is a valuable opportunity to continue their work in a supportive and professional setting.
Participation demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the arts, aligns with state theatre standards, and supports the Texas Thespians' mission.
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest is a new opportunity for secondary theatre programs to engage in a professionally adjudicated play competition. This contest is designed to serve junior varsity theatre companies and schools that have been eliminated in the early rounds of spring competitions, offering them a valuable platform for growth, feedback, and recognition.
1. Expanded Access and Equity
- A non-elimination-based experience for more schools to participate.
- Opportunities for junior varsity casts to engage in authentic contest experiences.
- A space for Title I and rural schools that may struggle to compete but still want meaningful performance opportunities.
- No limit to cast and crew size
2. Educational Focus Over Competition
- Three-judge feedback model (acting, directing, technical) offers a well-rounded educational critique.
- Students and directors gain deeper insight into their craft without the pressure of advancing or being eliminated.
3. Support for Eliminated Schools
- Extends the life of their work.
- Gives directors and students a chance to refine and reflect.
- Maintains momentum and morale within the department.
4. Recognition of All Aspects of Theatre
- Technical theatre achievements (lights, set, costumes, sound).
- Directing and ensemble work, not just individual performances.
- The importance of collaboration, creativity, and storytelling over rigid rules.
5. Alignment with Texas Thespians’ Mission
- Inclusivity, education, and opportunity.
- Provides a low-cost, high-impact event that schools can budget for.
- Encourages participation from a broader demographic of students and schools.
The Texas Thespians Short Play Contest offers students constructive critiques from three adjudicators—specialists in acting, directing, and technical theatre. For developing programs, junior varsity ensembles, or schools eliminated early from spring contests, this is a valuable opportunity to continue their work in a supportive and professional setting.
Participation demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the arts, aligns with state theatre standards, and supports the Texas Thespians' mission.
International Thespian Festival Chapter Select One-Act Showcase
ITF's Chapter Select One-Act Showcase (LINK) features staged one-acts that celebrate storytelling and highlight outstanding student performances from International Thespian Society chapters across the country and around the world. The showcase includes a robust lineup of short performances, including one-acts, cuttings from full-length productions, reader's theatre, dance, mime, comedy, drama, and more!
Chapter Select Showcase is for Texas schools wishing to present at the International Thespian Festival this summer in Bloomington, Indiana, June 21-26, 2026
**In addition to the Short Play Contest Evaluation, those participating in the ITF Chapter Select One-Act Showcase evaluation will have additional materials to provide after registration
Short Play Contest Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a Troupe to attend?
NO! Any Junior High or High School theatre program may attend!
Can I be actively competing in another contest and still register?
No. Shows being performed should NOT be actively competing in another spring contest.
Can I register and then DROP if we advance in another competition?
No! Once a Troupe has registered, it has confirmed its eligibility to participate and will be held accountable for the Non-Refundable registration fee.
Who can become an Adjudicator or Contest Director?
Any certified educator, member of TTAO, or qualified persons my apply to adjudicate. Adjudicators and Contest Directors will be selected by Texas Thespians based on location, availability, and adjudication category - Acting/Directing/Technical.
Can a High School or Middle School director serve as an adjudicator?
YES! You will need to register as an Adjudicator or Contest Director in registration.
Is a unit set provided?
Yes! Each location will have a standard gray unit set. Each company may bring Doors/Windows. You do not have to use the provided Unit Set. See Rules & Guidelines for more scenic details.
Does it have to be a non-musical?
No, any Theatrical Title may be performed as long as the producing Troupe has performance rights. This may include Original Written Work, Musicals, and Plays. Documentation will be requested in Registration.
Do Directors have to stay the whole time?
Yes! Directors MUST attend with their troupe and actively participate.
Does each attendee need a consent & acceptance form?
Yes! Anyone attending will need to submit a consent & acceptance form.
Is there a limit to cast and crew size?
No! You may have as many cast and crew members. An on-site crew may assist in the setup and strike of your production as long as they have a consent form on file.
Can students stay and watch the other shows?
Yes, awards will be shared after each feedback session & we encourage all to view the other productions.
NO! Any Junior High or High School theatre program may attend!
Can I be actively competing in another contest and still register?
No. Shows being performed should NOT be actively competing in another spring contest.
Can I register and then DROP if we advance in another competition?
No! Once a Troupe has registered, it has confirmed its eligibility to participate and will be held accountable for the Non-Refundable registration fee.
Who can become an Adjudicator or Contest Director?
Any certified educator, member of TTAO, or qualified persons my apply to adjudicate. Adjudicators and Contest Directors will be selected by Texas Thespians based on location, availability, and adjudication category - Acting/Directing/Technical.
Can a High School or Middle School director serve as an adjudicator?
YES! You will need to register as an Adjudicator or Contest Director in registration.
Is a unit set provided?
Yes! Each location will have a standard gray unit set. Each company may bring Doors/Windows. You do not have to use the provided Unit Set. See Rules & Guidelines for more scenic details.
Does it have to be a non-musical?
No, any Theatrical Title may be performed as long as the producing Troupe has performance rights. This may include Original Written Work, Musicals, and Plays. Documentation will be requested in Registration.
Do Directors have to stay the whole time?
Yes! Directors MUST attend with their troupe and actively participate.
Does each attendee need a consent & acceptance form?
Yes! Anyone attending will need to submit a consent & acceptance form.
Is there a limit to cast and crew size?
No! You may have as many cast and crew members. An on-site crew may assist in the setup and strike of your production as long as they have a consent form on file.
Can students stay and watch the other shows?
Yes, awards will be shared after each feedback session & we encourage all to view the other productions.
TEA CPE Provider #902-342
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